On Friday, 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.
City frustrate the Buccaneers 🚧
Orlando Pirates held to a draw by Polokwane City in the #DStvPrem at the Orlando Stadium ⚖ pic.twitter.com/9nNDdpMFll
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 27, 2023
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.
