Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has hailed the massive impact made by Oswin Appollis this season as they stand on the brink of a first Betway Premiership title in 14 years.
Appollis has played a pivotal role for the Buccaneers after making the switch from Polokwane City in the off-season, contributing nine goals and six assists in 28 league appearances.
The 24-year-old winger scored in three consecutive games against Golden Arrows (2), Richards Bay (1) and AmaZulu (1) in April to win the Betway Premiership Player of the Month award.
Appollis was on target against Magesi most recently on May 9 as Pirates ran out 3-0 victors to maintain the three-point gap to league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who subsequently lost 3-2 to TS Galaxy in their final match on May 12.
Ouaddou’s side will be crowned champions if they beat Durban City on Saturday, although they have another chance against Orbit College on the final day of the campaign.
Ouaddou admits the Bafana Bafana international has been a shining star for the Soweto giants, who have really benefitted from his creativity this term.
“Even though I like to speak about the collective project – because for me that’s the most important thing – Appollis is shining within that collective, through his team-mates,” the Moroccan tactician said.
“But I cannot avoid or forget to say that he’s a fantastic player. He brings something special to the team, technically, in terms of finishing in the final third.
“He is somebody whose creativity is very important to the team. Sometimes you need these kinds of players – like Rele {Mofokeng], like Appollis, like Tito [Patrick Maswanganyi], and Andre de Jong as well.
“These kinds of players can give you that creativity in the final third.”
