Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro was full of praise for Evidence Makgopa after the striker came off the bench to score twice against Polokwane City on Tuesday
Monnapule Saleng bagged his third goal of the season when he broke the deadlock at the Orlando Stadium after 55 minutes.
Makgopa was introduced in the 83rd minute for Tshegofatso Mabasa and was on target jst two minutes later.
He then sealed the result with another goal in stoppage time at the end of the game.
The result saw Bucs end the evening in second place, on six points, level with Betway Premiership leader Mamelodi Sundowns.
A delighted Riveiro said on iDiski Times after the game: “I’m happy with the contribution from the bench, one more time, it was crucial in Botswana, crucial against Chippa to come back after they scored, it was crucial in the second game against Jwaneng.
“Today [Makgopa] was exceptionally good, like everybody who is not in the starting eleven, it’s difficult but the people who is coming from the bench, they are showing they are willing to die for the team even if they get a minute.
“That is very good news for all of us and people are waiting for their opportunities, and Evidence, Karim, Sibisi, everyone involved, they performing the level we need in certain moments of the game.
“There’s many days that, as much as you dominate and control, you can find yourself in the last stages of the match 0-0 or the game not clearly done. The contribution from the players coming, five, 10, 15, 25 minutes, in modern football is extremely, extremely important.”