Former Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Farouk Khan has offered an alternative perspective on Pitso Mosimane’s tactical comments about Oswin Appollis.
Mosimane raised eyebrows after Bafana Bafana’s 2-1 victory over Guinea when he explained how he wanted the Orlando Pirates attacker to operate within his system.
While some supporters interpreted the comments as a sign that Appollis could be restricted to a wider role, Khan believes the opposite could be true.
Khan: Appollis can have a central influence
According to Khan, Mosimane’s approach could actually allow Appollis to spend more time in dangerous central positions.
The former Chiefs coach explained that Bafana’s structure, which includes a lone striker and Relebohile Mofokeng moving forward from deeper areas, means Appollis does not necessarily need to remain responsible for creating chances from a wide position.
Instead, his attacking instincts and goalscoring ability can become more important.
Khan believes the objective is to get Appollis into areas where he can influence the game closer to goal rather than simply asking him to provide crosses.
Full-backs could create the space
Another important part of the tactical plan could be the return of Khuliso Mudau.
Khan suggested that Mosimane could use his full-backs to provide width, allowing players such as Appollis to move inside and overload central areas.
That would give Bafana more flexibility in attack, with the full-backs stretching the opposition while the attacking players occupy more threatening positions.
The approach could also create more room for Appollis and Mofokeng to combine around the opposition penalty area.
Appollis does not have to stay wide
Khan stressed that Mosimane’s comments should not necessarily be interpreted as an instruction for Appollis to remain permanently on the wing.
Instead, his positioning could change depending on the circumstances of the match.
If Bafana need to stretch the opposition, Appollis can move towards the flank. When space opens centrally, he can then move inside and attack those areas.
That tactical freedom could be particularly useful when Bafana have a striker capable of holding up the ball and bringing other attackers into play.
Mofokeng and Appollis could be key
Khan also highlighted the importance of Appollis and Mofokeng within Mosimane’s attacking plans.
Both players possess the pace and technical ability to make runs beyond the striker, particularly when Bafana can establish possession in the final third.
For Appollis, the challenge will now be turning those opportunities into consistent attacking contributions at international level.
Eritrea could provide another tactical test
Bafana return to AFCON 2027 qualifying action against Eritrea on Wednesday, giving Mosimane another opportunity to fine-tune his attacking structure.
Whether Appollis starts — and exactly where he operates — will be one of the interesting tactical details to watch.
Khan’s explanation suggests that playing wider does not necessarily mean reducing Appollis’ influence. Instead, it could be part of a broader system designed to eventually get the Pirates star into more dangerous central positions.
Where do you think Appollis is most effective for Bafana — out wide or in a more central attacking role?
