Evidence Makgopa: Orlando Pirates and South Africa striker linked with Erzurumspor FK move

South Africa forward Evidence Makgopa is being linked with a move from Orlando Pirates to Turkish Super Lig side Erzurumspor FK as the 26-year-old attracts interest from Europe following a trophy-laden spell in the PSL.

The centre-forward, who has spent the past four seasons in Soweto after joining Pirates from Baroka FC in June 2022, is currently valued at around €1.4 million, a figure likely to frame any negotiations between the clubs. Erzurumspor are understood to be exploring a deal as they look to add a physically imposing striker to their attack ahead of the new campaign.

Makgopa has built a sizeable body of top-flight experience in South Africa, making 131 league appearances and scoring 30 goals in the Betway Premiership, while also contributing 13 assists. He featured regularly in Pirates’ recent cup campaigns and appeared in this year’s World Cup, playing in all four of South Africa’s matches at the tournament.

At club level, he comes off a season in which Pirates were crowned South African champions in 2025-26, adding to a domestic medal haul that already included multiple MTN8 and Nedbank Cup successes with the Buccaneers. That run of silverware, combined with his exposure in the CAF Champions League, has heightened overseas interest.

Makgopa’s contract situation at Pirates has not been publicly disclosed, and there is no indication yet that an agreement is close, but Erzurumspor’s interest signals growing attention in one of the leading South African-based forwards in the league.