Riveiro has praise for Derby hero Makgopa

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro hopes a fit and firing Evidence Makgopa can be the boost his side need to push themselves up the DStv Premiership table.

Makgopa scored the winner in Saturday’s Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs, this third goal of the campaign in all competitions.

It comes on the back of a difficult 18 months for the striker since he joined Pirates, where injury and loss of form severely restricted his appearances.

But the Bafana Bafana forward is now the preferred No 9 ahead of Zakhele Lepasa and starting to show his worth, according to Riveiro.

"I think it's two goals in four or three matches now (for Makgopa). It's very important. He scored one goal at home, he's scoring in a derby. He's going to be there in the (history) books forever,” Riveiro said.

"It's going to be a good boost for the boy, he is an interesting prospect. We have to protect all the young players and try to create the proper atmosphere for them so that they can develop themselves.

“It's going to be good for South African football, good for the national team. We have to support the guys.

"Evidence is doing an excellent job. I said already several times. I'm not going to speak so much about him because he's speaking himself on the field. People need to have a look at all the things that he's doing, not only when he's putting the ball in the net."