Orlando Pirates coach Muhsin Ertugral insists that midfielder Mpho Makola is a great player but he needs to get better and stronger.

The Buccaneers are coming off the back of a 2-1 victory over Ajax Cape Town at the Cape Town Stadium in the Absa Premiership on Tuesday.

The 57-year-old coach insists that Makola is a great player but Ertugral feels that the midfielder can improve on his performance.

‘He (Makola) tried his best today… I mean he is a great player,’ Ertugral told KickOff.com.

‘But he needs to get stronger and better. He’s very good in understanding the game like with Oupa. His understanding of when to go and when to stay is great to watch but he’s not fit and powerful enough.

The Turkish tactician believes Makola’s efforts with Bafana Bafana during the international break has taken a toll on the player.

‘Because that’s a reason why he only played two games for Bafana Bafana. He couldn’t put in that performance today but maybe next week.’

Orlando Pirates will now welcome Cape Town City to the Orlando Stadium in the Absa Premiership on September 20.

The match is set at 19:30.