Bafana Bafana striker Evidence Makgopa has opened up on the challenge of reclaiming a starting spot at Orlando Pirates after a dip in form on the back of the 2023 AFCON.
The 24-year-old was one of Bafana's stand-out players in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where South Africa returned with a bronze medal.
However, on his return, Makgopa had fallen down the pecking order at Pirates, with Tshegofatso Mabasa having maintained a starting role until the end of last season.
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In the new campaign, the lanky marksman has worked his way back into Jose Riveiro's starting XI and has repaid that faith with six goals from 13 appearances in all competitions.
"I knew it was going to be tough. Every time you have an injury, it's tough," Makgopa told journalists ahead of the qualifier against Uganda on Friday.
"Mentally, it can affect you, and you have to be strong at some point. For me, I am glad that when I came back, I had a place to start on the bench because it's tough as well to be on the bench at my team.
"So, I can say I was fortunate enough to manage to come back. Even now, I know if I can play, I can make my way back to Bafana. So, it's good to be back in the team," he went on.
Throughout, the former Baroka FC man has enjoyed the confidence of national team head coach Hugo Broos, who has been vocal about his support of Makgopa and was not hesitant to reinstate him in the squad after his resurgence.
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"The only thing I can say is you don't want to disappoint such a person who has faith in you," Makgopa added in regards to Broos' support.
"So, the only thing you have to do for him is just to push when you are given a chance. You just have to do whatever you have to do."