Evidence Makgopa scores first 2025/26 season goal, image: Orlando Pirates via x
(The Post News)– Evidence “Ngwana Sesi” Makgopa is finally off the mark for the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, scoring his first goal of the campaign in Orlando Pirates’ 2–0 victory over TS Galaxy on Tuesday night at Orlando Stadium.
The striker from Ga Phasha Selatole, just outside Burgersfort, coolly converted a 19th-minute penalty to give the Buccaneers the lead before Tshegofatso Mabasa sealed the win late on. For Makgopa, the goal was more than just a number on the scoresheet. It was a relief to break a barren spell at the start of the new season and a reminder of his potential as a key attacking weapon.
Since joining Pirates from Baroka FC in 2022, his career has had peaks and pauses. His debut season was plagued by injuries, but last year he enjoyed a breakthrough with five league goals and four assists in 19 appearances.
Makgopa at Baroka FC
His combination of size, movement, and composure in front of the goal has since made him a first-choice striker for both club and national levels. Baroka FC (2019–2022), Makgopa burst onto the scene with raw athleticism, netting crucial goals that caught the attention of bigger clubs.
With Orlando Pirates from 2022 to present, after initial struggles to settle, he grew into his role last season, contributing directly to nine goals in the Premiership. Also at Bafana Bafana, Makgopa has been a trusted name in Hugo Broos’ national team setups, featuring prominently in AFCON qualifiers and international friendlies.
While strikers are often judged solely by goals, Makgopa has shown versatility. His ability to hold up play, link midfield runners, and create scoring chances has been invaluable. His four league assists last season highlighted his capacity to be more than just a finisher; he can be a facilitator in the Pirates’ attacking system.
With his penalty against TS Galaxy, Makgopa has now contributed directly to 10 league goals in his last 20 appearances, a ratio that underlines his growing consistency. The Pirates’ coaching staff will hope the 25-year-old’s confidence is fully unlocked.
With fixtures piling up domestically and in continental competition, Makgopa’s form could be the difference between another promising season and one where Pirates mount a serious title challenge. As he stood arms aloft at Orlando Stadium after his first goal of the campaign, there was a sense that the striker had turned a corner. This might just be the season that transforms him from a promising forward into one of the Premiership’s most reliable marksmen.
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