The SA coach has explained why he picked Makgopa & Lepasa for the AFCON
South Africa’s national football team coach, Hugo Broos, has provided insights into his decision-making process regarding the selection of Orlando Pirates’ Zakhele Lepasa and Evidence Makgopa as his primary striking options for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Facing challenges in finalizing his squad, notably the unavailability of Lebo Mothiba and Lyle Foster, Broos also made the strategic choice to exclude Fagrie Lakay.
In this context, Lepasa and Makgopa emerge as crucial figures for Bafana Bafana’s AFCON aspirations.
In his recent media interaction, Broos articulated his reasoning behind these selections.
He began by praising Lepasa, stating, “First of all, I think Lepasa showed it already in the national team that he’s so bad as a striker.
He scored regularly,” highlighting Lepasa’s consistent scoring record.
Turning his attention to Makgopa, Broos reminisced about their past collaborations with Bafana Bafana, asserting, “Makgopa was a striker [with us] in the beginning when I was coaching Bafana Bafana, and he did well, too. He’s playing now again with Pirates; he’s scoring also; he has confidence.”
Addressing the inevitable comparisons and critiques, Broos challenged, “When you say they are not really the same type, ok, give me a South African player who is the same type as Mothiba; I don’t think you can give it.”
He further reaffirmed his faith in Lepasa and Makgopa, noting, “Those are the two that I have to choose because Foster and Mothiba are not there. I have confidence in those guys.”
Concluding his remarks, Broos emphasized the duo’s prior experience with the national team and their evident quality. He defended his choices, suggesting that their inclusion in AFCON is both justified and logical given the circumstances.
Broos on Makgopa and Lepasa Selection: Bafana’s Striking Choices for AFCON Explained
Check out his exact statements below:
“First of all, I think Lepasa showed it already in the national team that he’s so bad as a striker. He scored regularly,” he told journalists.
“Makgopa was a striker [with us] in the beginning when I was coaching Bafana Bafana, and he did well, too. He’s playing now again with the Orlando Pirates; he’s scoring, and he has confidence.
“Those are the two that I have to choose because Foster and Mothiba are not there. I have confidence in those guys.
“When you say they are not really the same type, ok, give me a South African player who is the same type as Mothiba—I don’t think you can give it.
“It’s a choice again, and those guys were with us before; they have quality, and I think it’s normal that we choose them to go with us to AFCON—certainly because Mothiba and Foster are not there.”
With Bafana Bafana’s AFCON journey set to kick off against Mali on January 16, followed by pivotal clashes against Namibia and Tunisia, all eyes will be on Lepasa and Makgopa to validate their coach’s confidence and showcase their striking prowess.
