Renewed interest for Makgopa abroad after Bafana run

Orlando Pirates striker Evidence Makgopa is the latest member of Bafana Bafana’s Africa Cup of Nations squad understood to have attracted interest abroad after their stellar display at the tournament.

The lanky centre-forward led the line for the national team in matches against Mali, Namibia, Tunisia, Morocco, Cape Verde, Nigeria and DR Congo.

He scored in the 2-0 win over the Atlas Lions to send Bafana to the quarterfinals of the continental competition, and was generally influential as the focal point.

According to sources, there have been some enquiries from Asia, the Gulf region and Russia, although indications are that the potential suitors haven’t approached his parent club the Buccaneers just yet.

Talk of Bafana players suddenly being on the radar of teams in Europe was expected as soon as they reached the knockout phase of the Afcon – the first being midfielder Teboho Mokoena.

Soccer Laduma reported this week that the Mamelodi Sundowns star has made it on English Premier League side Bournemouth’s wish-list.

This isn’t the first time Makgopa is the subject of interest from overseas clubs after he was linked with a move to Denmark while still at Baroka FC before he was sold to Pirates for a reported figure of R3 million.

Should the interest turn into a genuine bid, then the Soweto giants would hold all the cards to make a decision on whether they are open to selling the Bafana forward at the end of the season for a sizeable transfer fee.

Media reports also have it there are two clubs from Belgium and one in France showing interest, but according to a well-placed source, this is nothing more than speculation at this point.