fresh from Afcon and bafana bafana, orlando pirates coach Jose Ribeiro happy striker Makgopa's evidence growth.
Pirates coach Ribeiro expressed his delight after Makgopa's performance against Mamelodi Sundowns last weekend.
Ribeiro said he was satisfied and hoped Makgopa would continue his form in the AFCON showpiece with Bafana.
Makgopa's contributions helped Bafana win the bronze medal as number three, and Ribeiro wants him to contribute even more.
Bafana's Magopa explains why he's key to Pirates – Happy Ribeiro
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Ribeiro, the current holder of the Nedbank Cup, explained his decision to play Magopa at Sundowns despite coming from Afcon.
“I'm not saying this because I've already noticed the difference,” Ribeiro says of Bafana striker Makgopa.
“But I'm sure he's not the same player anymore.
“He was competing in a top continental tournament competing against a number of players who had already made their careers in top European teams.
“He's got other good players around him and he'll be in camp for seven weeks with his guys.
“So all of these experiences are obviously going to play a big role in my career in evidence.
“And I'm really happy that he finally got the opportunity that we've all been looking for and expecting from him probably from the moment he signed with the Pirates.”
Pirates coach: Why Bafana star Magopa was not a regular
Buccaneers and Pirates mentor Ribeiro added that Makgopa is still developing under his tutelage and that is why he was not a regular.
“A year ago, it wasn’t possible for various reasons,” Riveiro added of Bafana star Makgopa’s role.
“It's not because he didn't try, but as I've explained many times, he didn't start the season with the same opportunities as other players in his position.
“But this is his moment, and I think he's using his moment very well.”
The Pirates will now turn their focus to defending their Keyona title against small-time Crystal Lake on Saturday afternoon.
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