PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sekotori Evidence Makgopa |
| Date of Birth | 05/06/2000 (Age: 26) |
| Place of Birth | GaMampa, Limpopo, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Height | 1.88 m / 6 ft 2 in |
| Weight | 78 kg / 172 lb |
| Position | Striker / Centre-Forward |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #17 (Orlando Pirates), #17 (South Africa) |
| Current Club | Orlando Pirates |
| Previous Clubs | Peace United (SAB League), Baroka FC |
| International Caps | 30+ |
| International Goals | 6+ |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2027 |
| Nickname | “Ngwana Sesi” |
The Frozen Moment
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. The world was watching. For Bafana Bafana, it was a tournament of redemption. For Evidence Makgopa, it was the stage that would define his international career.
When Hugo Broos named the 23-year-old striker in his squad, the critics erupted. “What is Makgopa doing in the team?” they asked. His club form at Orlando Pirates was inconsistent, and many questioned his selection. But Broos stood firm.
Makgopa repaid the faith. He scored crucial goals, displayed a tireless work rate, and helped lead South Africa to an improbable bronze medal finish. He had proven that he brings far more than statistics to the pitch. “He’s not Messi, he’s not Ronaldo,” Broos said. “But he’s a guy who can be very helpful for a team, and he showed that at AFCON.”
Three years later, at the 2026 World Cup, Makgopa’s name was once again on the teamsheet. He appeared against Mexico and Czechia, playing a total of 40 minutes in the group stage. The bush league boy from GaMampa, who had been discovered playing in the SAB League by a chance encounter, had made it to the biggest stage of all.
“I saw a top striker in this boy,” said Morgan Mammila, the man who discovered him. The prophecy had come true.
Origins: From the Bush to the Big Time
Evidence Makgopa was born on June 5, 2000, in GaMampa, Limpopo, South Africa. His football journey began in the most humble of circumstances—playing in the bush, with nothing but raw talent and a dream.
His discovery is the stuff of football folklore. Morgan Mammila, then CEO of Baroka FC, was running a tournament in his area to look for quality players. He spotted Makgopa playing as a striker and was immediately impressed. “Good in the air, finishing, hitting with left and right,” Mammila recalled. “I said, ‘Boy, I’m taking you tomorrow to Baroka.'”
Makgopa initially doubted himself, but Mammila was insistent. He went to the young player’s parents’ house, spoke to his father, and secured permission to take him to Baroka. The rest, as they say, is history. “I took 10 minutes convincing him, because I didn’t want to see this talent just playing at home and not entering anywhere.”
The European Forge: Baroka FC to Orlando Pirates
Baroka FC (2019-2022)
Makgopa made his professional debut for Baroka FC in the 2019/20 season, making 8 appearances and scoring 4 goals. His breakthrough came the following season: 28 appearances, 7 goals, and 3 assists. In the 2021/22 season, he made another 28 appearances, scoring 4 goals and providing 4 assists. His performances at Baroka established him as one of the most promising young strikers in South African football.
Orlando Pirates (2022-Present)
In 2022, Makgopa made the move to Orlando Pirates. His first season was transitional, with just 5 appearances. But he gradually established himself, making 19 appearances in each of the next two seasons and scoring 5 goals in each campaign.
The 2025/26 season was his most productive yet. He made 24 appearances, scoring 6 goals and providing 4 assists, with a goal involvement of 0.84 per 90 minutes. He placed in the 98th percentile for goals scored and the 99th percentile for goal involvement. His expected goals (xG) stood at 5.64, with a non-penalty xG of 4.24, placing him in the 97th and 94th percentiles respectively.
In March 2025, Orlando Pirates activated a two-year option on his contract, securing his services until at least June 2027. The club sees him as an important part of their future.
The International Journey
Makgopa made his senior debut for South Africa on June 10, 2021, in a friendly against Uganda. Over his international career, he has amassed 30 caps and scored 6 goals.
His defining moment came at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Despite widespread criticism of his selection, he played a crucial role in Bafana Bafana’s bronze medal finish. “When we went to AFCON, everybody was asking, ‘What is Makgopa doing in the team?'” Broos recalled. “You saw the role he played there.”
His reputation as a big-game player has been cemented by his performances in crucial qualifiers. In October 2025, when Iqraam Rayners was forced to withdraw from the World Cup qualifying squad due to injury, Broos called Makgopa without hesitation. “When Iqraam had to leave camp, I didn’t doubt to call again Evidence,” Broos explained.
At the 2026 World Cup, Makgopa featured in two group-stage matches, coming on as a substitute against Mexico and Czechia. He played a total of 40 minutes, helping Bafana Bafana advance from Group A for the first time in their history.
The Anatomy of His Game
Makgopa is a classic centre-forward defined by his physical presence, aerial ability, and finishing instinct.
In Possession
Makgopa is a clinical finisher with both feet. In the 2025/26 season, he scored 6 goals in 24 appearances, with a goal involvement of 0.84 per 90 minutes. His expected goals of 5.64 and non-penalty xG of 4.24 place him in the top percentiles of Premier Soccer League players. He has a powerful shot and is capable of scoring from inside and outside the box.
His 4 assists in the 2025/26 season demonstrate his ability to bring others into play. He is a player who can hold the ball up, bring teammates into the game, and create chances.
Out of Possession
Makgopa’s work rate is a defining feature. He presses from the front and contributes to the team’s defensive shape. His coach Hugo Broos has praised his “helpfulness” to the team, even when he is not scoring. His height of 188 cm makes him a threat in the air, and his physicality allows him to battle with defenders.
Psychological Edge
What sets Makgopa apart is his resilience. He has faced criticism throughout his career, but he has always responded. His ability to perform on the biggest stage, as he did at AFCON 2023, is a testament to his mental strength. He is a player who thrives on the trust of his coach and has earned a reputation as a big-game player.
His weakness
has been his consistency. His goal-scoring record has fluctuated throughout his career, and he has sometimes struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at Orlando Pirates. However, his performances for Bafana Bafana have demonstrated his ability to deliver when it matters most.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Goal Involvements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier Soccer League | 24 | 11 | 1,069 | 6 | 4 | 10 |
| FIFA World Cup | 2 | 0 | 40 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 26 | 11 | 1,109 | 6 | 4 | 10 |
TABLE B: Career (Premier Soccer League)
| Season | Club | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Goal Involvements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019/20 | Baroka FC | 8 | 8 | 707 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 2020/21 | Baroka FC | 28 | 28 | 2,461 | 7 | 3 | 10 |
| 2021/22 | Baroka FC | 28 | 22 | 2,200 | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| 2022/23 | Orlando Pirates | 5 | 0 | 86 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023/24 | Orlando Pirates | 19 | 13 | 1,004 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 2024/25 | Orlando Pirates | 19 | 11 | 911 | 5 | 2 | 7 |
| 2025/26 | Orlando Pirates | 24 | 11 | 1,069 | 6 | 4 | 10 |
| Total | — | 131 | 93 | 8,438 | 31 | 13 | 44 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 2 | 0 | Round of 16 |
| Africa Cup of Nations 2023 | — | — | Bronze Medal |
| South Africa Senior Career | 30+ | 6+ | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Discovered | Spotted by Morgan Mammila in bush league |
| 2019 | Baroka Debut | Made professional debut |
| 2021 | South Africa Debut | First senior cap vs Uganda |
| 2023 | AFCON Bronze Medal | Key player in Bafana’s historic run |
| 2025 | Contract Extension | Orlando Pirates extend deal to 2027 |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | Named in Bafana Bafana squad |
| 2026 | World Cup Debut | 40 minutes across two group matches |
What These Figures Reveal
The statistics paint a portrait of a player who has developed into a reliable performer at the highest level. Makgopa has made 131 Premier Soccer League appearances, scoring 31 goals and providing 13 assists. His 2025/26 season was his most productive, with 6 goals and 4 assists in 24 appearances.
His international career has been defined by his performances in major tournaments. He was a key player in South Africa’s bronze medal-winning AFCON campaign, and he featured at the 2026 World Cup. His 30 caps and 6 goals for Bafana Bafana underline his importance to the national team.
The Present Tense
The 2026 World Cup was the pinnacle of Makgopa’s career so far. He was selected in Hugo Broos’s 26-man squad for the tournament. He made two appearances off the bench against Mexico and Czechia, playing a total of 40 minutes. South Africa advanced from Group A for the first time in their history, reaching the Round of 16.
His club future is secure. Orlando Pirates activated a two-year option on his contract, securing his services until at least June 2027. He has established himself as a key player for the club, and his performances in the 2025/26 season have made him a fan favourite.
His international career is secure. He has 30 caps for South Africa and is a key player for Bafana Bafana. His performances at AFCON 2023 and the 2026 World Cup have made him a vital part of the national team setup.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Makgopa’s story is one of family, resilience, and discovery. He was discovered playing in the bush by Morgan Mammila, who saw raw talent and refused to let it go to waste. His nickname, “Ngwana Sesi,” reflects his roots and his connection to his community.
He has faced criticism throughout his career, but he has always responded. Hugo Broos has been his staunchest defender, repeatedly emphasising his value to the team. “There are many people who underestimate Makgopa,” Broos said. “He’s not Messi, he’s not Ronaldo… but he’s a guy who can be very helpful for a team.”
His long-term ambition is to play in Europe. The 2026 World Cup has provided a platform for him to showcase his talents on a global stage, and his performance at the tournament could attract interest from overseas clubs.
The Verdict from the Camp
Hugo Broos, South Africa head coach:
“When we went to AFCON, everybody was asking, ‘What is Makgopa doing in the team?’ — and you saw the role he played there. There are many people who underestimate Makgopa. He’s not Messi, he’s not Ronaldo — I know that also — but he’s a guy who can be very helpful for a team.”
Morgan Mammila, discoverer:
“I saw a top striker in this boy. Good in the air, finishing, hitting with left and right. I took 10 minutes convincing him, because I didn’t want to see this talent just playing at home and not entering anywhere.”
Hugo Broos, on recalling Makgopa:
“When Iqraam had to leave camp, I didn’t doubt to call again Evidence. Because I know if I will need him tomorrow, he will help us enormously.”
Where Next?
Evidence Makgopa is 26 years old and entering his prime. He has just featured at the 2026 World Cup, is a key player for Orlando Pirates, and has established himself as a vital part of Bafana Bafana’s setup.
Club Outlook
He is under contract at Orlando Pirates until 2027. His dream of playing in Europe remains alive, and the World Cup has provided a platform for him to showcase his talents. If he continues to perform at the highest level, a move abroad could become a reality.
International Outlook
For South Africa, he is a key player. His performances at AFCON 2023 and the 2026 World Cup have established him as a vital part of the national team setup. At 26, he has many years ahead of him and could be a key figure for Bafana Bafana in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and beyond.
The Journey Continues
From the bush league to the World Cup, from Baroka FC to Orlando Pirates, Evidence Makgopa’s journey is a story of talent, resilience, and extraordinary achievement. The boy who was discovered playing in the bush is now a World Cup player and a national hero. His story is a testament to the power of belief and the importance of never giving up.
