Bad news on 23-goal Orlando Pirates striker
· The South African
Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana striker Evidence Makgopa has been ruled out for the next two months with a knee injury. The towering forward played through a niggle during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the subsequent pre-season period.
ORLANDO PIRATES STRIKER EVIDENCE MAKGOPA OUT UNTIL OCOTOBER
According to iDiski Times journalist Lorenz Kohler, the Orlando Pirates medical team has advised Makgopa to take an extended period of rest.
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“With a niggle that was played through during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and pre-season, it’s been advised by the club’s medical team that he needs an extended period of rest to recover,” Kohler reported.
The injury does not require surgery. Makgopa will instead focus on recovery before returning to club and international football. The setback comes at an unfortunate time for Evidence Makgopa.
DECORATED CAREER AT 26
The 26-year-old enjoyed an important 2025/26 campaign with Orlando Pirates, scoring six goals and providing four assists in the league.
He also helped the Buccaneers secure a domestic treble that included the Betway Premiership, MTN8 and Carling Knockout.
Makgopa has also become an important option for Bafana Bafana under Hugo Broos. He made his senior international debut in June 2021 and announced himself with a brace against Uganda in a 3-2 victory.
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His international rise continued through major tournaments. Makgopa featured at the Tokyo Olympics, played in successive AFCON campaigns and featured in all four of South Africa’s matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Kohler says the striker is now “looking to recover swiftly to return to the club and national team selection.” However, the timing creates a major concern for Bafana Bafana.
“It’s highly unlikely that he would feature in the upcoming 2026 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers for South Africa,” Kohler added. That would leave Hugo Broos without one of his trusted attacking options for the upcoming qualifiers.
For Orlando Pirates, the priority will be getting Evidence Makgopa fully fit before rushing him back into action.