Mohafe still grieving Appollis exit but backs star to shine at Orlando Pirates

Even though Phuti Mohafe is still grieving the loss of Oswin Appollis to Orlando Pirates, the Polokwane City coach believes his former talisman is in a better place.

Appollis had been one of the most sought-after players in the Betway Premiership in recent seasons, attracting interest from local and overseas-based clubs alike following his exploits for City. Pirates eventually won the race for his signature, securing the Cape Town-born attacker during the current transfer window. 

Following a two-week pre-season tour in Marbella with his new teammates and coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, Appollis finally made his debut on Saturday — fittingly, against City. The 23-year-old didn’t only show glimpses of his old form but improvement as well, scoring the opener in Pirates’ 2-0 win and claiming the Player of the Match award.

Mohafe admitted that Appollis’ departure had left a massive void in his squad, but said he wished the player nothing but success.

“It is always difficult to lose a family member,” he said. “And I lost a family [member], so I am still grieving.

“He left and went to a bigger team. All I can do is wish him well. I am feeling that pinch, and he left a big hole in my team. It’ll take some time for us to replace him.”

Mohafe’s pain was understandable, given that Appollis showed his class with a composed finish in the 12th minute. After Boitumelo Radiopane held up play, he laid the ball off to an unmarked Appollis, who dropped his shoulder, picked his spot and curled a low shot into the far post.

Mohafe was proud to see a move he had worked on in training come to life — albeit against his own side — and credited Ouaddou for helping refine the player further.

“It shows that I taught him well,” Mohafe said. “He took that to Pirates, and the coach who is coaching him now has sharpened him.

“That movement is something we worked on repeatedly. We knew that once he got the ball, we couldn’t allow him space inside.

“Unfortunately, the guy who was supposed to close that gap went to slumberland a little bit, and he caught us.

“I think the Appollis we saw today is a new version — in terms of movement and playing ability. He’s improving, and I hope he continues to do so.”

Still, Mohafe knows he has little time to sulk. With the new season under way, he must quickly find a replacement for his departed star. While he bemoaned the number of current injuries in the squad, including right-back Thabang Matuludi, he expressed confidence in striker Levy Mashiane.

“We have players who are playing in that [Appollis’ former] position, so the only thing we need to do is make them understand how we want them to play,” he said.

“Mashiane has played most of his career as a winger. I found it challenging to use him as a striker — but because of the quality he has, I think it’s working.

“He’s got a very good first touch and vision to pick out the player next to him. So, with him playing as a different kind of No 9, he can give us good movement.”