Makgopa has been absent from Bucs’ line-ups since he sustained an injury in March against Polokwane City. During his absence, Tshegofatso Mabasa has emerged as the leading man up front for the Buccaneers and has scored crucial goals in the team’s resurgence. The former Bloemfontein Celtic man has scored four goals in the league and provided an assist, as well as three other strikes and two assists in the Nedbank Cup, since returning from a loan spell with Moroka Swallows in January.
With Mabasa enjoying good form and Pirates performing well, Makgopa might have to wait to reclaim his place in coach Jose Riveiro’s starting elevens on his return. The team’s source mentioned, “There is no shortage of goals for Pirates at the moment, and everyone is willing to take their chance when on the field.” The source also noted, “Mabasa came back and is doing well meaning that others also have to wait for their chance.
Evidence will come back and wait for his chance. The team is doing well and scoring goals, and that’s what is important.”
The towering forward finished the season with six substitute appearances across all competitions, but had managed to work his way up to be the team’s leading man until his latest setback.