Evidence Makgopa says he will always give his all for Hugo Broos
3rd February 2024
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With his confidence boosted by his first goal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) earlier this week against Morocco, Bafana Bafana striker Evidence Makgopa says he’s prepared to die with his boots on for his head coach Hugo Broos.
Makgopa was responding to media questions just a day before their AFCON quarterfinal against Cape Verde at Stade Charles-Konan-Banny in Yamoussoukro tonight (8pm, 10pm SA Time).
Makgopa was handed his senior national team debut by Broos, in his first-ever selection in June 2021, and the Orlando Pirates striker says he’s not bothered by those who continue to question his selection.
''On that one, I think you can not force someone to love you and you can not force someone to support you. For me, I think I just have to take it the way it is and move forward.’’
“The coach called me, I must play wholeheartedly for him, because he believes in me. I am always motivated and there's nothing that can shake me,'' said Makgopa.
Asked if it was an advantage to have a coach who has won the AFCON before, the Orlando Pirates striker used the moment to praise his coach.
"Our coach has experience of winning an AFCON title, and he believes in us. We do have a good relationship with him and that will help us to go all the way,'' added Makgopa.
Bafana players have also been encouraged by the support that they have been getting back home as they continue to progress in this tournament.
When the team was heading to this 34th edition of the AFCON, the support was not as vocal as it is now, but news of the new white kit selling out fast has pointed to another positive direction for this team.
Reserve goalkeeper Veli Mothwa says that support must keep on coming.
''There's a lot, I can tell you without fear that we had about two media channels, now we have many media channels coming to our training sessions. I feel like we're getting the support we need and back home people are behind us. Keep on supporting us and we will do our best,'' said Mothwa.
Mothwa has also taken time to praise his captain and number-one goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who has helped the team keep three clean sheets in a row.
Another clean sheet today would see Williams matching Nigerian and Chippa United international goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali who ensured that the Super Eagles make the semifinals with another clean sheet as they beat Angola 1-0 in the first quarterfinal.
Mothwa still expects Williams to lead Bafana with example in this tournament, as he’s been doing.
