Bafana Bafana Legend Doctor Khumalo Praises Hugo Broos for Taking Evidence Makgopa to 2023 AFCON

• Evidence Makgopa was one of South Africa's best players at the 2023 AFCON
• The 23-year-old Orlando Pirates striker scored against Morocco in the Round of 16
• Bafana Bafana legend has lauded coach Hugo Broos for trusting the young striker

Evidence Makgopa was South Africa's focal point at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Orlando Pirates striker was called up to the squad after Lyle Foster and Lebo Mothiba were ruled out.

Bafana Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo has heaped praise on coach Hugo Broos for taking the 23-year-old and playing him.

Makgopa's goal in the Round of 16 helped South Africa pull off an upset against Morocco, announcing their arrival in Ivory Coast in the process, per BBC.

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Although he didn't add to his tally, his importance to the team cannot be understated. Makgopa and Bafana Bafana took home a bronze medal.

Khumalo hailed Broos for giving Makgopa a chance.

"I'm glad Hugo brought the likes of Makgopa because, let's all be honest, when Makgopa played in the Olympics, he was the first player to be selected [for Broos] to say I want to grow this player," Khumalo said via KickOff.

"So, here is Makgopa, irrespective of whatever anyone wants to say, but based on what I observed, I can see a bit of Phil Masinga, but also mobility, and individual brilliance."

"So I just want to say thanks to him because people wouldn't have known who Makgopa is."

Khumalo won the 1996 AFCON with South Africa.

Steve Sekano also backs Makgopa

Sports Brief has also reported that former Orlando Pirates midfield maestro, Steve Sekano, is confident in Makgopa becoming one of South Africa's premier strikers.

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He praised the 23-year-old's improvement but also highlighted areas where he could still improve, particularly in terms of his first touch and his finishing abilities.

Broos urged to stay on until 2026

Sports Brief earlier reported on Hugo Broos being urged to stay as Bafana Bafana coach despite the AFCON 2023 semi-final loss to Nigeria.

Defender Grant Kekana has persuaded the Belgian tactician not to quit just yet but to help them achieve a greater goal.

South Africa are looking to reach the World Cup for the fourth time. They last played at the World Cup in 2010 on home soil.