The Orlando Pirates’ in-form forward, Evidence Makgopa, has been called up to the national team by Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos for the first time since this year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Ivory Coast in January.

On Thursday, Broos announced his final 23-man squad to face Uganda and South Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Broos’ troops will travel to East Africa to face Uganda on November 15 before returning home to host South Sudan on November 19 at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.

Makgopa, who has emerged as the preferred frontman at Pirates over Tshegofatso Mabasa, returns to national team duty and forms part of Broos’ strong side in the absence of Themba Zwane – out due to a long-term ligament injury – and Lyle Foster, who picked up a knee injury last month.

Makgopa has featured in 13 games for Orlando Pirates this season across all competitions, scoring six goals. The 24-year-old was a trusted figure for Broos during the AFCON campaign, not only in attack but also in defensive duties.

Broos has dropped 15 players from the preliminary squad he named late last month. Among those dropped is Percy Tau, the former Brighton and Hove Albion forward. Tau’s future at Al Ahly remains uncertain, as his contract with the Egyptian club expires at the end of the season.

According to IOL, Tau’s future at Al Ahly has been a subject of discussion, and there are strong indications that he could leave the Egyptian giants in January. Two unnamed clubs have reportedly been in contact with Al Ahly about the Bafana Bafana star.

Other players dropped by Broos include Tshegofatso Mabasa, Sipho Mbule, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Ricardo Goss (injured), Bradley Cross, Thabang Mathuludi, Thabiso Sesane, Grant Kekana (injured), Jayden Adams, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Ndamulelo Maphangule, Devin Titus, Ashley Cupido, and Yanela Mbuthuma.

BAFANA BAFANA FINAL SQUAD.

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sage Stephens, Sipho Chaine

DEFENDERS: Nyiko Mobbie, Rushwin Dortley, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Mothobi Mvala, Khuliso Mudau, Fawaaz Basadien, Siyabonga Ngezana.

MIDFIELDERS: Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Thalente Mbatha, Luke Le Roux.

FORWARDS: Evidence Makgopa, Oswin Appollis, Patrick Maswanganyi, Iqraam Rayners, Mihlali Mayambela, Elias Mokwana, Relebohile Mofokeng, Thapelo Morena.