As with most Bafana Bafana players at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, leading striker Evidence Makgopa has been getting credit for his performances and high work-rate which saw the team reach the semi-finals of the competition.
Makgopa started all six matches as Bafana won three, drew one and lost two and was rewarded with one goal and an assist in return.
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However, it wasn't just the goals that head coach Hugo Broos wanted from the 23-year-old but his overall performance in helping the team.
Renowned South African-based Nigerian agent Mohammed Lawal, who has had several players in his camp plying trade in the PSL and around the world over the years, believes that Makgopa has got what it takes to be a top striker.
"If Bafana Bafana can play the way they played against Nigeria in the AFCON semi-final, it will be difficult for teams to stop them, and they will go far. They caused Nigeria a lot of problems and I was particularly impressed with Evidence Makgopa. He was one of the main guys in causing Nigeria problems. Makgopa played so well, and he did everything that a striker needs to do on the field. Forget the penalty he missed, during the game he gave Nigeria a torrid time," said Lawal, speaking exclusively to the Siya crew.
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"I wish that the boy can continue to produce performances of the same level when he comes back to the PSL. That boy has got all the qualities of a top striker. I wish the fans here in South Africa can see that but unfortunately, some are not patient. Especially for Chiefs and Pirates, when a player goes there as a striker, fans expect him to hit the ground running. He (Makgopa) calls for the ball, he keeps it beautifully, he is good in combination play, his positioning is superb, he can compete aerially, and he can shoot, and that makes you wonder what people want. I remember reading a lot of (negative) stories when the coach selected him and there were a lot of people in South Africa who didn't believe in the boy," he concluded.
*Editor's note: Lawal is not Makgopa's agent and was only commenting on his performance after watching the match
