Latest news with #Makgopa
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.
The Herald
11-05-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
Chiefs turn tables on Pirates in Nedbank Cup final to finally win trophy after 10 years
Riveiro went with his tried and tested key players like Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Makhehleni Makhaula, Relebohile Mofokeng and Evidence Makgopa. The match did not take long to ignite as referee Masixole Bambiso pointed to the spot after eight minutes when Mmodi went down after he contacted Deano van Rooyen. Gaston Sirino stepped up to beat Sipho Chaine and give Chiefs the lead but television replays indicated it was a soft penalty. Their lead was short-lived as Pirates equalised in the 17th minute when Makgopa rose above everyone in the box to connect with a well-taken cross from Deon Hotto. Those who are experts in the art of defending will ask questions as to how the Chiefs defence was punished by Makgopa, who scored in a second successive Soweto derby. When they returned from the break, the match continued in the same vein and Riveiro was the first to blink by replacing Makgopa with Tshegofatso Mabasa to freshen up his attack.
TimesLIVE
10-05-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Chiefs turn the tables on Pirates in Nedbank Cup final to finally win a trophy after ten years
Exactly ten years and a day since they last lifted the league trophy, Kaizer Chiefs are champions again. Amakhosi arrived in Durban as heavy underdogs but they turned the tables to beat Orlando Pirates 2-1 in front of a packed Moses Mabhida Stadium to lift the Nedbank Cup and finally put ten years of hurt behind them. This win may serve as a saving grace for embattled coach Nasereddine Nabi who has been under tremendous pressure all-season long but he is still facing the challenge of ensuring the team ends the season in the top eight. For Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro, the much talked about 'last dance' has turned into a nightmare. When the club announced that Rivero will be leaving at the end of the season, Pirates were still alive three competitions but they have since been knocked out of the Champions League and now they have lost in this final. Yusuf Maart strikes for Chiefs 🤩💥 📺 Stream #NedbankCup on DStv: — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 10, 2025 They are still in the discussions for the league title but they are outsiders with Mamelodi Sundowns in control of the two-horse race. Nabi sprang a major surprise in his starting line-up by leaving goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma out of the match-day squad and he was replaced by Brandon Petersen and he turned out with a solid display between the sticks. It was not immediately clear if Bvuma was injured, not because he was not even in the match-day squad with Fiacre Ntwari on the bench. It did not take too long for Peterson to be thrusted into the spotlight and he was questionable for moving out of his line and allowing Makgopa to equalise with his head after Gaston Sirino had given them the lead from the spot. Some of the interesting selections by Nabi saw Inacio Miguel partner Zitha Kwinika with Edmilson Dove and Dillan Solomons on the sides. In the midfield, Thabo Cele and captain Yusuf Maart were in the engine room and Gaston Sirino, Pule Mmodi and Glody Lilepo ahead of them and Wandile Duba as the lone striker. Something off the training ground for Pirates ☠️💥 📺 Stream #NedbankCup on DStv: — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 10, 2025 Riveiro went with his tried and tested set of key players like Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Makhehleni Makhaula, Relebohile Mofokeng and Evidence Makgopa. The match did not take too long to ignite as referee Masixole Bambiso pointed to the spot after eight minutes when Mmodi went down after he contacted Deano van Rooyen. Gaston Sirino stepped up to beat Sipho Chaine and give Chiefs the lead but television replays indicated it was a soft penalty. Their lead was short-lived as Pirates equalised in the 17th minute when Makgopa rose above everyone in the box to connect with a well-taken cross from Deon Hotto. Those who are experts in the art of defending will ask questions as to how the Chiefs defence was punished by Makgopa, who scored in a second successive Soweto derby. When they returned from the break, the match continued in the same vein and Riveiro was the first to blink by replacing Makgopa with Tshegofatso Mabasa to freshen up his attack. Look at what it means to Kaizer Chiefs 🥹🔥 #NedbankCup | #NedbankCupFinal — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 10, 2025 A few minutes later, Nabi was forced into chance with Sibongiseni Mthethwa coming on for injured Thabo Cele in the midfield to partner Maart and deal with Mbatha and Makhaula. After the 70th minute mark, both coaches played more of their cards with Ashley du Preez and Mduduzi Shabalala coming on for Sirino for Chiefs and Duba Karim Kimvuidi and Kabelo Dlamini replacing Nkota and Makhaula for Pirates. The introduction of Du Preez and Shabalala inspired Chiefs and they nearly retook the lead after 78 minutes when Mmodi's close range shot bounced off the upright with Chaine beaten.
The Citizen
10-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Chiefs sink Pirates to end drought with Nedbank Cup glory
Chiefs end a ten year wait for a trophy with a 2-1 win in Durban. Kaizer Chiefs ended their long wait for a trophy on Saturday, breaking the drought against their fiercest rivals with a 2-1 win over Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. It was Amakhosi captain Yusuf Maart who proved an unlikely hero as Chiefs ended a decade long wait for silverware. Maart, who started his professional career at Pirates, volleyed home from the edge of the box, a fantastic answer to the critics that have been on his back all season. The victory brought joy to Chiefs and their head coach Nasreddine Nabi, who had looked increasingly worn out during a difficult campaign in the Betway Premiership. Chiefs still have a massive gap to make up in the league. But this cup run, which included wins over Mamelodi Sundowns and Pirates, has to give them hope for the future. For Pirates, this was a disappointing end to Jose Riveiro's reign, as they failed to add a third consecutive Nedbank Cup to the Spaniard's haul. Still, they did win a third MTN8 in another impressive season, where they also reached the Caf Champions League semifinals. Nabi sprang a surprise ahead of this game as goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma was dropped from the squad and Brandon Peterson handed a first start since December. Bvuma, indeed, had started 25 games in a row for Chiefs before Saturday's final. Peterson had a nerve-settler as he came off his line to gather a cross from Relebohile Mofokeng in the 4th minute. Chiefs strike first Just as they had in the Premiership meeting last weekend, it was Chiefs who took an early lead. Pule Mmodi burst into the area and his heels were clipped by Dean Van Rooyen. Referee Masixole Bambiso pointed to the spot, and though Van Rooyen protested his innocence, there was some contact. Gaston Sirino took responsibility from the spot and drilled a low shot past Sipho Chaine, even though the Pirates 'keeper dived the right way. Makgopa heads a leveller It took Pirates 22 minutes to find an equaliser last weekend. In the cup final it took them just seven, with their leveller coming again from Evidence Makgopa. The Buccaneers won a free kick down the left wing. Deon Hotto curled in a fine delivery and Makgopa powered in a header at the back post with Peterson off his line but nowhere near the ball. Pirates began to control possession and Mofokeng's cross found Patrick Maswanganyi, who volleyed just wide. Sirino then lost his cool with Bambiso after he felt he was fouled in midfield, and eared a yellow card for his troubles. Another neat Pirates passing move saw Mohau Nkota fire goanward, but Peterson saved at his near post. Just before the break, Makgopa had another chance in the air, but headed a corner wide of target. Chiefs came out with far more purpose after the break, taking the game to Pirates. In the 56th minute, Thabo Cele's neat pass sent Duba away. The young Chiefs forward had a great chance to find Glody Lilepo but instead opted to shoot and his effort was blocked by Mbekezeli Mbokazi. At the other end, Nkota did well to create some space for himself in the box, but again tried a near post finish and this time missed the target. A spate of substitution from both sides littered the final half an hour, and the two Soweto giants searched for a winner. Nabi's super subs In the 75th minute, two of Chiefs' changes, Ashley Du Preez and Mduduzi Shabalala, nearly combined to fine effect. But Shabalala's cross was cleared just before the semifinal match-winner could get to the ball. Shabalala then played a fine ball across the box for Mmodi, whose thunderous strike cannoned off the post. Pirates were battling to clear their lines and Chiefs broke through in the 80th minute. Du Preez's clever cross to the edge of the box found Maart, who lashed his volley past Chaine and into the corner of the net. .
The Citizen
03-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Mofokeng leads Pirates comeback against Chiefs in Soweto derby
Relebohile Mofokeng scored the winning goal for the Buccaneers. Relebohile Mofokeng celebrates goal during the Betway Premiership 2024/25 match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix Orlando Pirates came back from a goal down to beat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in a Betway Premiership match played at the sold-out FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon. With fans coming in late at the stadium the game was delayed for 30 minutes to allow them to get into the stadium. ALSO READ: Cardoso praises Sundowns for early goal rush Glody Lilepo gave Amakhosi the perfect start to the match when he found the back of the net in as early as the second minute of the match. Following the lead, Chiefs took control of the match and put Pirates under pressure early on, but the Buccaneers found their rhythm as the game progressed and created opportunities of their own. A mistake in the middle of the park by Mduduzi Shabalala led to the equaliser for Pirates in the 24th minute. The young forward made a wrong decision to pass the ball on the left instead of the right where Gaston Sirino was free and the ball was intercepted by Thalente Mbatha who passed it to Mohau Nkota. Nkota then laid a perfect cross for Makgopa to head it home. Tapelo Xoki almost put the Buccaneers in the lead with a header seven minutes later, but Bruce Bvuma did well to tip the ball over the crossbar for a corner kick. Makgopa also wasted a good chance to grab a brace and put Pirates in the lead after beating Edmilson Dove to the ball with a clever chip but rushed his shot and the ball went wide of goal. Mbekezeli Mbokazi almost gave Chiefs the lead on the stroke of half-time when he tried to clear the ball, but instead directed the ball to his own net, but Sipho Chaine pulled off a good save to make sure that the teams were locked at 1-1 at the break. Pirates coach Jose Riveiro replaced Paseko Mako with Kabelo Dlamini at the start of the second half, while his Chiefs counterpart Nasreddine Nabi kept the team that had started the game. Dlamini almost made an immediate impact to the game when he was found by Relebohile Mofokeng inside the box, but his shot went inches over the crossbar with Bvuma well-beaten. Pirates' pressure finally paid off as Mofokeng found a loose ball inside the Chiefs' penalty area and he slotted the ball home to put the Buccaneers in the lead. Things went from bad to worse for Chiefs in referee's optional time when Bradley Cross was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence. In the end the Buccaneers took maximum points and the bragging rights in the Soweto derby.
