Appollis faces former club as Buccaneers begin MTN8 title defence

Oswin Appollis could well make his official debut for Orlando Pirates against his former club Polokwane City this weekend.

The two clubs clash in the MTN8 quarter-final at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with the Buccaneers as defending champions and aiming to win the competition for a record-extending fourth season in a row.

A marquee signing for the Buccaneers during the off-season, the Bafana Bafana winger is expected to play a key role as Pirates aim to end their lengthy league title drought by toppling the dominant Mamelodi Sundowns. First, though, he must prove his worth in the famous black and white colours by helping the Soweto giants retain the season-opening trophy.

That his former club provides the first hurdle is sure to test Appollis’ sentiments towards City. This, after all, is a club he served diligently and with distinction over several years, only for them to block a big-money move abroad when a club from North Africa showed strong interest. Locally, both Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs were eager to sign him, with the latter pursuing him for two successive seasons.

At one point, the Capetonian was even frozen out of matches — a move widely condemned across the local football fraternity, which viewed club boss Johnny Mogaladi as being unfair in denying the player a deserved opportunity on a bigger stage.

Eventually, City relented — but not to Chiefs. Instead, Appollis signed for their fierce rivals, Pirates. The winger has looked every bit the Buccaneer during pre-season in Spain and is expected to form a dynamic combination with starlet Relebohile Mofokeng.

Will that partnership be on show this weekend?

And how will Appollis feel about facing his former teammates and the club that gave him his professional breakthrough, after his initial stint at SuperSport United failed to launch?

Footballers worldwide often show what is called "respect" by refraining from celebrating against their former clubs. We saw this last season when Vincent Pule scored for SuperSport United against Pirates but opted not to celebrate, even as his teammates erupted with joy.

Appollis, by nature, is a fairly reserved character who doesn’t go overboard when he scores. Having already expressed gratitude to City for the opportunity they gave him to shine and earn national team honours, it’s highly likely that any celebration from him — should he score — will be muted.

That said, do not expect him to hold back or show sympathy towards his former side. He is a Buccaneer now — a consummate professional who will give everything to ensure the defending champions move on to the next stage.

Given his status as the club’s marquee signing, he is duty-bound to produce a performance of the highest standard. The Ghost are expectant, and he cannot afford to disappoint, lest they start to feel he was money wasted.

A standout display — and perhaps a small nod to the skull-and-crossbones insignia if he scores — will go a long way in winning over the Orlando Stadium faithful. It could mark the beginning of a memorable chapter at a club renowned for turning talented players into both club and national icons.

Appollis has the potential to become one such player. The fact that he became a national hero while playing for modest Polokwane City speaks volumes. Now he has an even grander platform.

nd what better way to announce himself than with a starring role against his former club on debut for his new one?