Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has praised striker Evidence Makgopa after his performance against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final first leg.
Makgopa’s absence from recent matches had left many supporters puzzled, but Ouaddou explained that he had been rotating the squad to evaluate options following the arrival of 15 new players in the off-season.
The Bafana Bafana forward had struggled for minutes under Ouaddou, who replaced the popular Jose Riveiro, with Pirates losing both of their opening league fixtures.
However, Saturday’s semi-final saw Makgopa reinstated alongside experienced campaigners Thalente Mbatha and Deano van Rooyen, who had also been overlooked in previous games.
The changes immediately gave Pirates greater balance and intensity. The Buccaneers struck the post, tested goalkeeper Ronwen Williams on multiple occasions, and were unlucky not to secure victory.
Makgopa was particularly influential, using his pressing and physicality to unsettle Sundowns defenders Grant Kekana and Keanu Cupido. His tireless work rate drew praise from both supporters and his coach.
“Makgopa had a great performance,” Ouaddou said. “I was very happy with what I saw, as I was with all his teammates. They showed great character.”
The semi-final remains delicately poised ahead of the return leg, but Makgopa’s display has reignited belief that Pirates can mount a strong defence of their MTN8 crown.