Pirates Reveal How They Fast-Tracked Makgopa For Big Derby Triumph

Makgoba has become a modern-day Derby specialist. Photo by Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images

Orlando Pirates face a crucial selection dilemma ahead of the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on 31 October, with the question of whether to deploy Evidence Makgopa’s proven big match temperament once again.

The Buccaneers have already demonstrated their willingness to make strategic decisions around Makgopa’s availability for the fixture, as revealed in the recently released Giants documentary on SuperSport.

The five-part series documenting Orlando Pirates’ successful 2025/26 title-winning campaign disclosed that Makgopa, who was nursing an injury ahead of last season’s crucial Derby clash, had been speedily readied for the game given his impact and big match temperament in the fixture.

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That calculated gamble paid handsome dividends. On 28 February 2026, Pirates defeated Kaizer Chiefs 3-0 at FNB Stadium in what was Pirates’ biggest league win against their archrival since 2001/02. Makgopa, who came on as a substitute in the 68th minute, headed home the third goal from Tshepang Moremi’s cross in the 78th minute to put the result beyond doubt. The victory helped propel Pirates three points clear at the top of the table, ultimately contributing to their league triumph that ended a 13-year drought.

The 25-year-old striker has established himself as a Derby specialist, boasting a remarkable record of four goals in five appearances against Amakhosi, averaging one goal every 64 minutes. His tally makes him the leading active goalscorer in the fixture from either club. Makgopa has found the net in three consecutive Derby appearances, including strikes on 11 November 2023, 3 May 2025, and most recently in February 2026.

Makgopa recently returned from injury, making his comeback with an assist in the 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy on 13 October, approximately two weeks ahead of the Derby. His return comes after missing the opening weeks of the 2026/27 campaign with patellar tendinitis that sidelined him since early August.

However, Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou now faces a selection headache in the striking department. In Makgopa’s absence, Boitumelo Radiopane and Yanela Mbuthuma have taken up the reins, with both players delivering impressive performances.Radiopane has scored three goals in five league appearances this season, registering a goals-per-90-minutes ratio of 1.13, the highest in the squad.

The 24-year-old notably opened the scoring against TS Galaxy after not making the matchday squad for three consecutive games in September.

Mbuthuma, meanwhile, has netted two goals in six league appearances and provided crucial assists during the MTN8 campaign.

The 24-year-old former Richards Bay striker was pivotal in Pirates’ semi-final victory over Sekhukhune United, setting up two goals before scoring a brace in the following league match against Kruger United.

The selection dilemma is compounded by the form of both players and the tactical flexibility they offer. For Pirates rotation between Mbuthuma and Radiopane has been delivering positive results for the Buccaneers, with each striker bringing different qualities to the attack.

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Yet Makgopa’s Derby pedigree cannot be ignored. His ability to rise to the occasion in South Africa’s biggest fixture has been documented repeatedly, and the Giants documentary revealed the club’s faith in his big match temperament.

Coach Ouaddou must now decide whether to start with the in-form duo or deploy the proven Derby specialist from the first whistle.

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