Evidence Makgopa Ruled Out Two Months, Bafana Bafana's AFCON Qualifiers Now in Doubt

Evidence Makgopa will be out for two months with a knee injury, Orlando Pirates' medical team has advised, according to iDiski Times journalist Lorenz Kohler. The 26-year-old striker carried the issue through the 2026 FIFA World Cup and into pre-season before the club stepped in.

"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 does not require surgery, Goal.com confirmed in its own report citing the same iDiski Times account.

The timing hurts most at national team level. Makgopa is highly unlikely to feature in South Africa's upcoming 2026 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, a blow for Hugo Broos with the Bafana Bafana squad already contending with striker depth questions.

At club level, Yanela Mbuthuma takes over as Pirates' lead striker, with Boitumelo Radiopane in support off the bench. New signing Sebastian Pedersen, who joined last week, and Sifiso Luthuli round out the club's attacking options in Makgopa's absence.

If Pirates stick to the two-month timeline, Makgopa's return would fall around October 18, against TS Galaxy. That means missing at least six matches, including the MTN8 semi-final and the opening of the club's CAF Champions League campaign in early September.