Makgopa’s brace earns Pirates Champions League group-stage place

Evidence Makgopa rewarded Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s decision to restore him to the starting line-up by scoring twice in a 4-0 win over African Stars, sending the Buccaneers through to the CAF Champions League group stage 5-0 on aggregate.

Makgopa struck shortly before half-time in the 44th minute and completed his brace in the 77th minute at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday. His goals helped Pirates eliminate the Namibian champions and secure their place in the next phase of Africa’s leading club competition.

The forward had not played regularly since the latter stages of last season, making his return to the starting XI particularly significant. Ouaddou was pleased not only with the goals but also with Makgopa’s movement and willingness to find space in the final third.

“With Evidence, his last regular game was last season and we wanted to give him the opportunity today and he took it. He was just fantastic, he was moving everywhere and he took up space and I was happy,” Ouaddou said.

Makgopa’s performance gives Ouaddou another attacking option as Pirates prepare for a schedule featuring domestic and continental commitments. The coach has previously stressed the need for his side to be more clinical in front of goal, and the striker’s contribution provided an important boost in that area.

Ouaddou also believes the number of forwards capable of scoring will allow him to rotate his squad more effectively now that Pirates have reached the Champions League group stage.

“Now we have Radio (Boitumelo Radiopane), (Yanela) Mbuthuma, (Sebastian) Pedersen and (Sifiso) Luthuli and everyone is scoring so it’s a very good because getting into the group stages will allow me to rotate.”

Boitumelo Radiopane, Yanela Mbuthuma, Sebastian Pedersen and Sifiso Luthuli will all be competing for places in the attack, while Makgopa has strengthened his claim with two goals on his first start since returning to regular action.

That competition gives Ouaddou greater scope to manage workloads across the season. Pirates remain involved in the Betway Premiership, domestic cup competitions and the CAF Champions League, with the group-stage qualification adding further demands to their fixture list.

Makgopa’s display was therefore important beyond the personal achievement of scoring twice. It provided the Pirates coach with further evidence that he has another forward capable of contributing as the Buccaneers pursue silverware on several fronts.