Orlando Pirates must decide whether to restore Evidence Makgopa to their starting line-up for the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs on October 31, with the striker’s impressive record in the fixture competing against the strong form of his rivals for a place.
The 25-year-old has repeatedly delivered against Amakhosi, making him a tempting option for head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou as Pirates prepare for the clash at FNB Stadium.
Makgopa’s importance to the derby was highlighted in Giants, a SuperSport documentary exploring Pirates’ 2025/26 title-winning campaign. The series revealed how the club accelerated his recovery from injury ahead of last season’s meeting with Chiefs because of his influence in major matches.
That decision proved effective. On February 28, 2026, Makgopa came off the bench in the 3–0 victory over Chiefs and headed home Tshepang Moremi’s cross late in the match. The result gave Pirates a three-point lead at the top of the league table and strengthened their title challenge.=
Makgopa has scored four goals in five appearances against Chiefs, according to the figures provided in the report, and has found the net in each of his last three derby appearances. His record makes him a significant consideration as Pirates weigh their attacking options.
However, the striker is returning to contention at a time when competition for places has intensified.
Makgopa made his comeback in Pirates’ 3–0 league win over TS Galaxy on October 13, providing an assist after coming on as a substitute. He had missed the opening weeks of the 2026/27 campaign because of patellar tendinitis.
In his absence, Boitumelo Radiopane has made a strong case for continued involvement. The forward scored the opening goal against TS Galaxy and has registered three goals in five league appearances, according to the supplied figures.
Yanela Mbuthuma is another contender. The striker has contributed goals in the league and played an important role during Pirates’ MTN8 campaign, including their semi-final tie against Sekhukhune United.
Ouaddou therefore faces a choice between Makgopa’s derby experience and the momentum of the forwards who have taken their opportunities in his absence.
With the rivalry carrying significant pressure and little margin for error, Pirates must decide whether Makgopa’s history against Chiefs warrants a starting role or whether he is better deployed from the bench.
His return gives the Buccaneers another attacking option, but his selection will depend on his fitness, the form of his competitors and the tactical approach Ouaddou chooses for one of South African football’s biggest fixtures.
