Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has revealed why Bafana Bafana winger Oswin Appollis has not been featuring regularly in the starting line-up this season, insisting that the club is taking steps to protect one of its most valuable players.
Appollis enjoyed an impressive debut campaign at the Buccaneers after arriving from Polokwane City. He quickly established himself as an important member of the squad, playing a key role in the team’s domestic treble-winning success last season.
However, the attacker has experienced a different start to the current campaign. Despite making 15 appearances across all competitions and scoring twice, Appollis has often been introduced from the bench rather than starting matches.
His absence from the starting XI has also been noticeable in major fixtures, including the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns and the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs.
Ouaddou Wants to Protect Appollis from Fatigue
Ouaddou has now addressed the situation, making it clear that Appollis remains highly valued at Orlando Pirates.
The coach described the winger as one of the best players in South Africa but emphasised that his workload must be managed carefully.
“Appollis is a master class, he is one of our best players. Appollis is one of the best players in South Africa but we don’t have to forget that he is human. He is not a robot,” Ouaddou told the media.
The Pirates coach pointed out that Appollis had a demanding first season at the club after joining from Polokwane City. His performances also earned him international opportunities with Bafana Bafana, adding to an already busy schedule.
According to Ouaddou, the player has given everything for his country and club, making it understandable that he could experience periods of fatigue.
“He went to the World Cup, and it’s not only him. Many players in Europe, at other clubs. He played the games, he gave everything for his country,” the coach explained.
Pirates Expect Appollis to Play a Major Role
Ouaddou stressed that Appollis’ reduced involvement is not a sign that he has fallen out of favour. Instead, the club wants to manage his minutes so that he can remain available and perform at his best throughout a demanding season.
The coach referred to the winger as a “diamond” that the club needs to protect, particularly with several matches still to come.
“We are protecting our diamond. We are protecting our diamond because we have many games, and we know that if we protect him, we give him his time,” Ouaddou said.
He also reassured supporters that Appollis remains part of the club’s plans and that his contribution will be important as the campaign progresses.
“We know that he will be important for us. We will benefit from this protection that we give him but soon you are going to see Appollis back,” Ouaddou concluded.
For Pirates supporters, the message is clear: Appollis has not been sidelined because of poor form or a lack of trust from the coach. Ouaddou believes managing his workload now could help the winger make a bigger impact later in the season.
How soon should Abdeslam Ouaddou bring Oswin Appollis back into the Orlando Pirates starting XI? Share your thoughts in the comments.
