Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has defended his selection of Orlando Pirates striker Evidence Makgopa.
Makgopa, 25, was called up as a replacement for the injured Iqraam Rayners, and returns to the squad for the first time since November 2024.
Amid some people doubting Broos’ selection, the Belgian tactician has expressed his completed confidence in the Buccaneers forward, saying he has showing during the last Africa Cup of Nations how important he can be for the team.
“I don’t think I have to make a big explanation of what he can [do] and not,” Broos stated.
“When we went two years ago to AFCON, everybody was asking ‘what is Makgopa doing in there’. And you saw which role he played in AFCON.
“There are many people who underestimate Makgopa – he’s not Messi, he’s not Ronaldo. But he’s a guy who can be very helpful for a team. He showed it two years ago in AFCON.
“When Iqraam had to leave the camp, I didn’t doubt to call Evidence. Because I know if I will need him tomorrow, he will help us enormously.”
The match against Zimbabwe kicks off at 18:00 at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday.