Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has given an update on new striker Evidence Makgopa, who is yet to make his debut for the club after picking up an injury in pre-season.
Makgopa, 22, joined the club ahead of the 2022/23 campaign from Baroka but was sidelined with an injury since pre-season. However, during the last two matches, the striker returned to the bench, albeit without making an appearance.
With Pirates struggling to score in recent weeks, having netted just thrice in their last five games in all competition, Makgopa could offer a welcome goal threat and Riveiro said the Bafana forward is ready to compete.
“I said already that Evidence is doing a good job,” he said during the pre-match press conference for his side’s MTN8 semi-final second leg against Mamelodi Sundowns, when asked by iDiski Times about the progress of the player.
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“Unfortunately we couldn’t use or know the guy better during the pre-season [because] he got an injury early.
“He’s ready to compete, that’s why he was in the last two game sin the 20 list. Let’s see, when is his time, I cannot say in advance when he is going to get the opportunity or minutes or if I know I’m not going to say.
“But the most important is that the boy is prepared and hopefully we can see him competing soon.”
Pirates travel to Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday and will be eager to eliminate the defending champions from the MTN8 after holding them to a goalless draw in the first leg.
Story by David Kappel (@kappilinho).
