Polokwane and Bafana winger Oswin Appollis can focus on his football now after a move to Kaizer Chiefs didn’t materialise. But why?
Polokwane stood firm on Kaizer Chiefs target Appollis
According to SoccerLaduma, Polokwane City dug their heels in over star winger Oswin Appollis with that club chairman Johnny Mogaladi preferring to sell the 23-year-old Bafana man to overseas suitors if at all. Injuries to key duo Tlou Nkwe and Thabang Matuludi strengthened his resolve to keep the player. Polokwane is currently third in the Betway premiership and chasing an unlikely continental finishing place, viewing themselves as legitimate contenders to finish above Kaizer Chiefs. Why sell to a direct rival?
Phuti Mohafe speaks of a ‘focused’ player
“When I look at Appollis, I see a focused player who is not distracted by all the rumours. With the possibility of him moving, I don’t have power or a say over it, as the technical team, we are not even thinking about his replacement,” Mohafe added regarding the player’s future.
“Even for the long-term, I think Polokwane City is the team for Oswin Appollis and we don’t want to lose a player of his calibre. We are building a brand at Polokwane City, and we need him in it,” he said.
Soweto Derby battle looms
Meanwhile, even Appollis might tune in to Saturday’s blockbuster clash between Chiefs and Pirates. The evergreen, versatile talents of 34-year-old Deon Hotto Kavendji aren’t lost on the Pirates supporters. The Namibian utility star always delivers what his manager wants and does so in several positions. Mostly utilized on the left-hand side of the defence in recent years after cutting his teeth as a left winger, Hotto has also been deployed in a right-sided attacking role in Caf Champions League clashes this term. The ultimate ‘Swiss Army Knife’ player, Hotto will be key to Pirates’ chances of success on Derby Day. Vast experience counts for a lot on these grand occasions. His opposite number in the derby, in all likelihood, will be exciting youngster Mfundo Vilakazi. That’s a battle to watch closely.
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Is Appollis’ long-term future with Polokwane?
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