Orlando Pirates striker Evidence Makgopa has been backed by a club legend to rediscover the form that once made one of South Africa's deadliest strikers.
The 23-year-old was signed by Pirates at the of the 20/21 season after an impressive campaign with Baroka that earned him the PSL Young Player of the Season award.
At his own request, Makgopa then spent the next season on loan at Baroka who fell to relegation.
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Eventually joining up with his new teammates, the forward initially struggled with injuries in his first season in a Pirates shirt, only making six appearances and recording a single assists in what was a campaign to forget for the rising star.
The 23/24 season has brought about better fortunes for Makgopa, with Terrence Dzvukamanja and Kwame Peprah having left the club, more opportunities would be available upfront.
Zakhele Lepasa was the Riveiro's first choice, firing 10 goals for Pirates before the half-way stage of the season. However, Makgopa has climbed ahead of Lepasa in the pecking order as the club's first choice.
The former Baroka FC player has scored four goals and registered two assists in 14 appearances since scoring his first goal in September – a crucial CAF Champions League second-preliminary tie against Jwaneng Galaxy.
Although Makgopa's current form is still a far off from his Young Player of the Year award-winning exploits, Pirates' legend Shakes Gwabeni believes it's only a matter of time until the tall striker sets the Premiership alight.
"Hopefully, he (Makgopa) gets more of a chance this season because in my opinion, he is really good striker," Gwabeni told KickOff.
"He also has to continue developing his confidence and trust in his ability. The player we saw at Baroka is still there and we see signs of it but now he has to do it every game.
"I think that (consistency) is what will be difference at the end of the day. That is what will separate the good players from the best players, which I think Makgopa is."
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Gwabeni is not alone in his assessment of Makgopa, Riveiro has also backed the striker to only improve.
"It's his (Makgopa) first game with us, a player who has been with us for 15 months and coming into the starting eleven today for the first time and having the behavior that Evidence had during that time, which is, I can only say, that was excellent, a true professional," Riveiro said in October.
"So as a coach, I'm so happy to see him finally getting a chance. It doesn't mean that everything is done because the competition in the team is terrible (high) in that position also.
"But I'm happy that finally he managed to make it to be in the starting 11, to contribute and due to his conditions (abilities) and his age, he's a player that can only improve. He will only improve in the next months.
"Obviously, if he manages to play frequently the improvement is going to be more evident for everybody.
"As I said, he has interesting conditions (abilities) and he's a very humble guy who is working very hard every day. In that way, the only result for him is going be an improvement, so hopefully, we can see that improvement show.
Makgopa's raise will also not go unnoticed for by Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos, who has long tipped the 23-year-old to be a major part of the national team setup.
Makgopa will aim to continue his impressive from when Pirates take on Lamontville Golden Arrows at Mpumalanga Stadium on Sunday. Kick-off is at 15:30.
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