In the 2024/25 season, Orlando Pirates’ Makgopa scored 10 goals and provided two assists in 39 appearances for Pirates and Bafana Bafana.

This term, the 25-year-old striker has three goals and three assists in 13 league games.

With the club losing only once in the league when he featured, his absence against Sundowns was felt, but Ouaddou stressed that it was not a tactical decision.

COACH ABDESLAM OUADDOU ON THE ABSENCE

“Yeah, first of all, I have to specify that Makgopa could not be on the team yesterday, because he was injured,” Ouaddou told journalists.

“So he could not be on the team. But of course, it’s an area of concern for me, because if you have followed my previous press conferences over the past few months, we can see that it’s an area we must be efficient in.

DEVELOPING A YOUNG ORLANDO PIRATES TEAM

Ouaddou acknowledged that football is a game of realities, adding that ambition requires clinical efficiency. He emphasised that the coaching staff continues to work tirelessly with the squad, but reminded that they have a young team and young strikers.

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The former Morocco international also stressed the importance of developing players with potential. He noted that patience is key and that this approach aligns with the club’s philosophy.

“But maybe if you want to go quicker, you go spend R10 million or R20 million round, and I think maybe you will have somebody efficient from abroad,” Ouaddou continued.

“But the philosophy of our club, is to promote young talent in the country. And I’m sure there is a lot of talent in South Africa.

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“And it’s a policy that I respect, but I mean, at the same time you have to be very patient, you know, that’s it,” the Moroccan concluded.

WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS ON EVIDENCE MAKGOPA IN ORLANDO PIRATES’ UPCOMING GAMES?

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