Broos fires back: Bafana coach defends ‘non-Messi’ Makgopa recall

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has launched a spirited defence of his decision to recall striker Evidence Makgopa to the national squad, following the late injury withdrawal of Mamelodi Sundowns‘ Iqraam Rayners.

The Orlando Pirates forward, initially dropped from the final 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda, was quickly reinstated on Wednesday. This move immediately reignited the long-running debate among fans and pundits over Makgopa’s place in the team, given his modest goal-scoring return this season.

Broos, however, appears unbothered by the criticism, adopting a defiant stance ahead of Friday’s crucial clash against Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

Addressing the media on Thursday, the Belgian coach made it clear that he owes no one an explanation for his faith in the 25-year-old.

The South African senior men’s national team was given a rousing welcome after landing in Durban today.

Coach Hugo Broos’ charges are away to Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in a crunch 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier on Friday.

⏰️ 18h00 #BafanaPride@SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/etk13w9vWK

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 9, 2025

“I don’t think that I have to make a big explanation about what he can and what he cannot do,” Broos asserted. “When we went two years ago to AFCON, everybody was asking what Makgopa is doing in the team, which role he played in AFCON.”

‘Not Messi, But Helpful’: Broos Shuts Down Makgopa Critics

The coach’s unwavering confidence stems directly from the player’s invaluable, if underappreciated, role in Bafana’s run to the bronze medal at the 2024 AFCON. Despite only netting a single goal in six games for his club this season—though he boasts three assists, a nod to his proven link-up play—Broos sees his true value lying beyond the score sheet.

“So there are many people who underestimate Makgopa. He is not [Lionel] Messi, and he is not [Cristiano] Ronaldo, I know that,” Broos conceded, directly acknowledging the doubters. “But he is a guy who can be helpful to the team, and he showed that. He showed it two years ago in AFCON.”

For Broos, the choice was immediate and absolute when Rayners pulled out.

“So when Iqraam has to leave the camp, I did not doubt to call back again Evidence because I know if I will need him again tomorrow, that he will help us enormously,” he concluded.

The pressure is now squarely on Makgopa. Should he feature in Friday’s qualifier against Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium (kick-off 18:00), the polarizing striker will have an immediate opportunity to justify his coach’s stubborn loyalty and silence the persistent noise from his critics.