Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates star Evidence Makgopa continues to divide opinion despite his recent exploits at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations from the KickOff readers. Here's a look!
The story
Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo recently claimed that national team coach Hugo Broos deserves more credit for the rise of Makgopa. The striker featured heavily at the recent AFCON in the Ivory Coast, as he led from the front to help South Africa to their first podium finish since 2000.
However, some have continued to criticise the former Baroka FC striker, with some noting his rather unusual style of play and languid demeanour.
Reacting to Doctor's assessment of the 23-year-old on Facebook, KickOff reader shared their thoughts!
"Sometimes we need to be honest to ourselves," says Bongani Zaine Dodana.
"If [Bradley] Grobler can be added to that squad we will have him and Makgopa as our target strikers and we are fine. Broos must close [Lyle] Foster's chapter and work with players that are willing to serve the badge. I'm impressed and happy with Makgopa and the addition of Grobler will help incase of an injury or a bad day in the office," says Jerico Walesandawana Mpholo.
"I disagree with the legend on this one," says Tman Hloni.
"He is a forward player not a striker, what is he striking," says Qaphela Busane.
"Broos saw potential in Makgopa from the word go because in his first games as Bafana coach this guy was there. Yes he improved a lot under Broos but his sin was joining Pirates," says Paul Motaung.
"Makgopa's sangoma is working overtime," says Mdu Mdu.
"Can you guys name three top strikers in South Africa who are well proven top scorers by the age of 23," says Tshekiso Samuel Piper Hlokwe.
"He saw what many of us didn't see including his coach at Pirates," says Mlaiks Bana.
"This is mind blowing, how many goals or assists has Makgopa provided so far. People should stop praising mediocre," says Louis Nama.
"I don't have anything against Makgopa but the guy got onto professional football by luck," says Johnny Hansome.
"So these people think we are blind? We have seen him play many times, we know him, we saw what we saw...you can't fool people," says Dubandlela Dubandlela.
"What rise, Doc," says David Mothibi.
Read: US Star joins KDB and Vini Jr on Roc Nation roster
Meanwhile KO readers also reacted to Khama Billiat moving back Zimbabwe and joining local top-flight team Yadah Stars FC.
"Billiat's story is a humbling story of humankind with essential lessons inside. Learn to humble yourself even when circumstances are inconvinient, success follows a humble heart and pride comes before destruction," says Louis Nama.
"I remember when he left Sundowns, he said he was going overseas," says Thamsanqa Alex Khala.
"Good decision. It's nice to be home Khama Billiat," says Mthethwa Ericsson.
"Billiat will now earn less than what Chiefs offered him. Sometimes agents are misleading players," says Modiba Mothotoana.
"Kaizer Chiefs offered him a better deal than the one he's settling for. His agent is useless," says Danai Mupavaenda.
"End of the road I think," says Rants'o Katse.
"Why did he rejected an offer from Chiefs," says S'ngapheli Little.
"Billiat knew what he was doing all along. We can say all we want but the bottom line is he decided to take the route he took. It's time to let him be. This is a player who played almost 14 years in the PSL and achieved what other players can only dream of," says Jim Nome.
"Happiness and piece of mind comes first," says Doughlas Mothasa.
Read: Lorch calls it quits with actress partner
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
WATCH: