Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has explained the reasons behind striker Evidence Makgopa's lack of game time so far this season.
After joining the Buccaneers at the start of the current campaign with a highly-regarded reputation, Makgopa has endured an underwhelming spell with Riveiro's side.
The 22-year-old has made just three appearances this season, his latest being in the 2-1 won over Venda Football Academy on Saturday.
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"Difficult to say [how close Mokgopa will be a regular]. The important thing is that he came in [against VFA] and he produced and is helping us. Evidence is an example, as a professional, as a human being.
"I have to say, he’s working hard every day, very humble and never complains about lack of minutes. There are many reasons [he hasn’t been playing a lot], he has been injured in two different periods so he couldn't have continuity but he is a high potential prospect as a number nine.
"He just needs to, as the rest of the team, to be more consistent and he’s going to get more opportunities We have to be fair sometimes, we cannot expect Evidence to come in a difficult moment like that and suddenly win the game for us.
Makgopa had been brought on a substitute after Terrence Dzvukamanja took a knock and although he wasn't able to find his first goal for the Buccaneers, Riveiro was impressed.
"He [Makgopa] did a good job. He contributed, he was doing a fantastic job without the ball and I hope in the future we can have the space for him to be more considered in or starting eleven and give him s proper chance to be a regular
"It’s difficult because we have [many strikers] in his position, there are many possibilities [options] for the coach. But yes, that’s why Evidence is not in starting eleven, not because he’s not doing enough.
"It’s just because of me in this case, that I’m picking other players in his position but the guy is doing everything well."
Makgopa may get his next chance when the Buccaneers take on SuperSport United at Orlando Pirates.
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