Latest news with #EvidenceMakgopa
The South African
3 days ago
- General
- The South African
Where is the Orlando Pirates doing pre-season tour?
Orlando Pirates will be enjoying a pre-season tour after a well-deserved break at the end of 2024-2025. Where are the Sea Robbers going? Pirates were in Spain for the European summer last year. This time around, they're reportedly heading to Germany. 'What I know is that the club is believed to be changing their pre-season training camp from Spain to Germany. For now, almost all the logistics for the trip to Germany are as good as done. All the involved parties are believed to have agreed on this pre-season camp in Germany.' 'At that time (of the tour), they are believed to have the new coach in, when they are going to Germany. They want to use that time to build a bond between the new coach, the technical team, and the players to get ready for next season,' a second source told Soccer Laduma. Orlando Pirates fans are expectant on Soweto Derby Day. Image: BackpagePix Although the Buccaneers are blessed with options at the sharp end with Tshegofatso Mabasa, Evidence Makgopa and Boitumelo Radiopane, they might be looking at a different style of number 9. Fiston Mayele is a popular name in the media, but will they go for a guy on the wrong side of 30, especially with a rumoured price tag of R12 million? What did Makgopa and Mabasa do to offend Hugo Broos? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
3 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates need to strengthen these three positions
Orlando Pirates players Evidence Makgopa, Deano Van Rooyen, Deon Hotto, Sipho Chaine and Tapelo Xoki do the crossbone salute at the Loftus Versfeld before facing Mamelodi Sundowns. Image: @safootclassics/X Orlando Pirates need to make a few tweaks to their squad to win the Betway Premiership and Caf Champions League next season. ADVERTISEMENT A right-back is needed to compete with van Rooyen According to Soccer-Laduma, Orlando Pirates will soon seal a deal for Polokwane City right-back Thabang Matuludi to provide competition for Deano van Rooyen. The same publication sounds less optimistic about their chances of snapping up Bafana winger Oswin Appollis. The 23-year-old reportedly has his heart set on Kaizer Chiefs. Is this a blessing in disguise for the Buccaneers? Click for the latest Pirates need a new central midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula is still a highly effective defensive midfield operator, but Pirates might need a long-term contingency plan because he'll be 36 in November. Although it's an absurd suggestion, Pirates might need to make an audacious move for a player of Teboho Mokoena's calibre. Not Mokoena himself, but a domineering central midfield general to go alongside Thalente Mbatha, or free up Mbatha to get higher up the pitch more often. Kwayiba in the bag The Buccaneers have wrapped up the signing of Chippa United and Bafana midfield playmaker Sinoxolo Kwayiba. The 25-year-old is part of Hugo Broos' latest South Africa squad to contest friendlies in June. Kwayiba bagged six goals and an assist from 25 league appearances for the Chilli Boys this season. The Gqeherba-born star is in the latest Bafana squad. What about a new striker for Orlando Pirates? Although the Buccaneers are blessed with options at the sharp end with Tshegofatso Mabasa, Evidence Makgopa and Boitumelo Radiopane, they might be looking at a different style of number 9. Fiston Mayele is a popular name in the media, but will they go for a guy on the wrong side of 30, especially with a rumoured price tag of R12 million? What did Makgopa and Mabasa do to offend Hugo Broos? ADVERTISEMENT Tshegofatso Mabasa of Orlando Pirates celebrates a goal during a Premiership 2023/24 Match between Orlando Pirates and Golden Arrows at Orlando Stadium. Image: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix Where would you strengthen the side? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
English club enter race to sign Orlando Pirates and Bafana star
Orlando Pirates are going to find it difficult to hold onto one of their key attackers. The Buccaneers put on brave performances both domestically and on the continent last season. And despite only lifting one trophy in the process, many of their players are attracting serious interest from abroad! One such Orlando Pirates player that is wanted overseas is hardworking striker Evidence Makgopa! READ MORE • Kaizer Chiefs confirm fourth exit as R19 million star departs! READ MORE • Orlando Pirates complete deal for seven-goal PSL star! According to the latest transfer gossip, Bafana Bafana forward Evidence Makgopa is a wanted man in Europe. The 25-year-old Orlando Pirates striker has already amassed over 140 top-flight appearances in South Africa. Makgopa has bagged 31 goals while assisting 12 more at both Pirates and his former side Baroka FC. And now, reports suggest a club form England are keen on landing the hard-running striker. 'Though the main focus now seems to be on the English side, there has also been enquiries and interst from a North African team. It's too early to be mentioning names now but I can assure you there is a lot of interest there,' an insider told Soccer Laduma . The Orlando Pirates star is also being linked with a move to Belgium, Turkey and North Africa. READ MORE • Pirates sign another Betway Premiership star! Who else should Orlando Pirates allow to leave and sign ahead of next season? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
The South African
30-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
What did Orlando Pirates duo Mabasa, Makgopa do to offend Broos?
Orlando Pirates strikers Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa are in the wilderness for Bafana Bafana again. What's going on there? Bafana boss Hugo Broos has again excluded Orlando Pirates duo Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa from his squad. The pair made a preliminary group of 42 but haven't made the final 23. Instead, Broos has opted for an array of wide attackers and a solitary central striker, Richards Bay man Yanela Mbuthuma. Couldn't South Africa have benefited from having another traditional number 9 in this 23-man group? It begs the question: Does Broos have a vendetta against Mabasa Makgopa? The latter was a key component for Bafana at AFCON 2023, while Mabasa won the PSL Golden Boot in the 2023-2024 season. Pirates' best player is returning Head coach Hugo Broos at the press conference at the DHL Stadium. Image via Tarren Saunders The Buccaneers have wrapped up the signing of Chippa United and Bafana midfield playmaker Sinoxolo Kwayiba. The 25-year-old is part of Hugo Broos' latest South Africa squad to contest friendlies in June. Kwayiba bagged six goals and an assist from 25 league appearances for the Chilli Boys this season. NINE Pirates players called up for Bafana Orlando Pirates snap up former Real Madrid opposition analyst? Do you think either Makgopa or Mabasa deserve to play for South Africa? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
13-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates star secures extension with interesting clause
Orlando Pirates star secures secret extension with an interesting buyout clause. Let's find out. Evidence Makgopa is on fire, and so is the buzz around his future. The 24-year-old Bafana Bafana striker has emerged as a key figure for Orlando Pirates and an eye-catching talent for scouts overseas. With consistent performances in high-stakes matches, it's no surprise Makgopa's name has become a hot topic in South African football circles. Despite reports from Soccer Laduma suggesting overseas clubs have come calling, conflicting updates have thrown his future into uncertainty. While many believed Makgopa's contract with Orlando Pirates was set to expire in June, The South African has confirmed that the striker quietly signed a new three-year deal in late March—complete with a one-year extension option. 'Makgopa has extended at Orlando Pirates already, it was not announced. He extended his contract at the end of March, it was a three-year contract with an option of another year,' a reliable source revealed. 'Evidence also has a European buyout clause which is upwards of R15 million.' This extension appears to solidify his commitment to the Buccaneers, at least for now. Despite claims that clubs from Turkey and Belgium have made official enquiries, the source pushed back on those reports. 'It is not true, there is no truth to the European interest, but if Jose Riveiro goes to Al Ahly, you never know. Let's see. Riveiro likes him,' the source added. With a European buyout clause in place and his name allegedly already on the radar of clubs in Poland and Norway in previous seasons, Makgopa may still find the door open to an international move, especially if coaching dynamics change. Makgopa joined the Orlando Pirates in 2022 on a three-year deal. Since then, he has delivered consistent results, netting 10 goals in 39 matches this season. His ability to perform under pressure for both club and country has only added to his growing appeal. And now, with a fresh contract and a hefty buyout clause, Pirates have positioned themselves well, either to retain one of their top talents or cash in if European clubs make a serious play. While rumours swirl, the reality remains, Evidence Makgopa isn't going anywhere just yet. His new contract gives Orlando Pirates the upper hand, and unless a European club activates that R15 million clause, he's set to stay in black and white. Still, with international scouts watching and potential coaching shifts on the horizon, Makgopa's story is far from over. The next chapter could take him abroad, or further into legend status at home. Stay tuned with The South African as Orlando Pirates star secures extension with an interesting buyout clause. Will Makgopa stay, join Riveiro potentially or be snapped up by Europe? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
