On Friday, 05 January, Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro responded to criticism from the stands towards Evidence Makgopa and reminded their supporters of the similar situation they experienced with former striker Terrence Dzvukamanja. The Buccaneers had just dropped points for the third consecutive game, against Polokwane City and currently occupy 13th position on the log.
With the score level at 1-1 in the last 18 minutes against Polokwane at Orlando Stadium, Pirates supporters were starting to get impatient with Makgopa, as they whistled for his substitution against Rise and Shine in the closing stages.
Riveiro said it was important to show Makgopa support and reminded everyone that they are all professionals and have to handle the heat. He recalled a turning point for Dzvukamanja, who scored a winner against Golden Arrows last season after being booed and went on a scoring run in the last campaign, which culminated in him scoring the winning goal in his last game in the Nedbank Cup final against Sekhukhune United.
“Makgopa was close to scoring the second goal, it’s a good signal that even though things were not easy for him, he continued to try and wants to show everyone that he’s a good player and has the level to play in that position for Pirates,” Riveiro said.
The Orlando Pirates head coach reminded their supporters that they used to boo Dzvukamanja, before he turned out to be one of their favourites and encouraged them to do the same with Makgopa.
