Evidence Makgopa injury blow: Orlando Pirates striker ruled out until October

Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana striker Evidence Makgopa has been ruled out for the next two months after suffering a knee injury that is expected to keep him sidelined until October.

The towering forward played through a niggle during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and continued to manage the issue during the subsequent pre-season period. However, the problem has now forced the 26-year-old to take an extended break from football.

According to iDiski Times journalist Lorenz Kohler, the Orlando Pirates medical team has advised Makgopa to rest in order to allow the injury to heal properly.

“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 is not considered serious enough to require surgery, meaning Makgopa will instead undergo a period of rehabilitation before returning to full training. The club is expected to take a cautious approach to his recovery rather than risk aggravating the problem by rushing him back.

Key player after decorated season

Makgopa’s absence comes at a difficult time for Pirates following a highly productive 2025/26 campaign.

The striker played an important role in the Buccaneers’ success last season, scoring six league goals and registering four assists. His contributions also helped the Soweto giants complete a domestic treble, with Pirates lifting the Betway Premiership, MTN8 and Carling Knockout titles.

At 26, Makgopa has established himself as an increasingly important attacking option for both club and country. His physical presence and ability to lead the line have made him a valuable component of Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana squad.

The forward made his senior international debut in June 2021 and immediately made an impression, scoring twice in South Africa’s 3-2 victory over Uganda.

His international career has since included appearances at the Tokyo Olympics and successive Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. Makgopa was also involved throughout South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, featuring in all four of Bafana Bafana’s matches at the tournament.

AFCON qualifiers now in doubt

While Makgopa’s immediate priority is his recovery, his injury could also have significant consequences for South Africa’s upcoming international commitments.

Kohler says the striker is “looking to recover swiftly to return to the club and national team selection.” However, the expected two-month layoff puts his participation in the next round of 2026 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in serious doubt.

“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 Broos without one of his trusted attacking options as Bafana Bafana continue their preparations for the qualifiers. The coach will now have to assess his available forwards and potentially turn to alternative options while Makgopa completes his recovery.