Orlando Pirates beat Kaizer Chiefs in battle for Bafana Bafana star Oswin Appollis
Once and always Orlando Pirates have won the race to sign Oswin Appollis from Polokwane City. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates have got one over their Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs and won the race to sign Bafana Bafana star Oswin Appollis from Polokwane City.
The winger has been in scintillating form over the last two seasons and was close to securing a move to Naturena before the season began, but that deal never materialised. He continued on his trajectory last season and was linked with Pirates, Chiefs, and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Last September, Kaizer Chiefs’ Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr. made public the club’s desire to sign Appollis in an interview with Robert Marawa’s MSW.
“What I can say about Appollis is I don’t know any club in the country who wouldn’t want to sign Oswin,” Motaung Jr. told Marawa at the time.
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“We know we need to get the best talent to achieve our goals. He’s a top player, and we’re working tirelessly to bring top players to the club.
“We’d love to have him. We’ve had talks with the chairman of Polokwane City, not only about Oswin – other players also. It’s a process that’s ongoing.
“I understand when coaches get frustrated if clubs mention their players in the media. We respectfully don’t do that, but it doesn’t mean we’re not working as hard as we can on bringing these top talents.”
Appollis is the latest big name to join Orlando Pirates as the club prepare for the upcoming Betway Premiership season. The club have already brought in Sipho Mbule, Yanela Mbuthuma, Masindi Nemtajela, Tshepang Moremi, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Tshepo Mashiloane, and Sihle Nduli.
Abdeslam Ouaddou have also been appointed as the club’s new head coach following Jose Riveiro’s departure.
IOL Sport