Why Evidence Makgopa missed Pirates’ Sundowns showdown

Orlando Pirates fans were left scratching their heads on Wednesday when star striker Evidence Makgopa was nowhere to be found on the team sheet for the club’s high-stakes showdown against Mamelodi Sundowns.

The ‘Sea Robbers’ ultimately fell 2-1 to the defending champions at FNB Stadium, a result that saw them lose ground in a tight Betway Premiership title race. While youngster Yanela Mbuthuma was tasked with leading the line, Makgopa’s absence from the matchday squad was a major talking point.

The Coach’s Verdict: Why Evidence Makgopa Sat Out

Speaking after the narrow defeat, Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou confirmed that the decision was not tactical, but medical.

“First of all, I have to specify that Evidence Makgopa could not be in the team yesterday because he was injured,” Ouaddou explained.

Despite the injury setback, Ouaddou used the opportunity to address a larger issue within the squad: clinical finishing. While Makgopa has been a regular fixture this season—tallying four goals and three assists in 21 appearances—the coach admitted that the striking department remains a “work in progress.”

The Buccaneers have already enjoyed a trophy-laden 2025/26 campaign, securing both the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout Cup. However, if they are to add the Nedbank Cup or the Premiership title to their cabinet, Ouaddou believes his young forwards need to find a killer instinct.

The Ouaddou’ Concerns:

Efficiency: Ouaddou stressed that to be “ambitious,” the team must become more clinical in front of goal.

Patience: He reminded supporters that the current strike force is young and requires time to develop under pressure.

Load Sharing: Before the injury, Makgopa and Mbuthuma had been rotating to manage the physical demands of a busy season.

With the title race heating up, Pirates fans will be hoping Makgopa’s stint on the sidelines is a short one as the club enters the final stretch of the season.