Orlando Pirates will be hoping Oswin Appollis can rediscover his best form as the Buccaneers look to maintain their competitiveness in the 2026/27 season.
The winger enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 campaign, establishing himself as one of the club’s key attacking players. However, his performances this season have reportedly fallen short of the standards he set last term, raising questions about his current form and influence on the team.
Appollis scored nine goals in the Betway Premiership last season and was named Midfielder of the Season, playing an important role in Pirates’ trophy-winning campaign.
Since the 2026 FIFA World Cup, though, the attacker has struggled to reproduce that level of performance. With only one goal reported so far this campaign, the pressure is growing for him to rediscover the sharpness and attacking threat that made him such an influential player.
Appollis starts on the bench in MTN8 final
One of the clearest talking points came during the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns, when Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou opted to leave Appollis out of the starting line-up.
Tshepang Moremi was selected ahead of him, while Appollis was introduced during the second half as Pirates attempted to change the course of the contest.
The plan did not deliver the desired result. Sundowns secured a 2-0 victory, leaving Pirates disappointed after the final.
Appollis was unable to make a decisive impact after coming on, although the result was influenced by Pirates conceding an early goal and being forced to chase the game.
Ouaddou explains why Appollis was benched
Despite the decision to leave Appollis on the bench, Ouaddou was quick to stress the importance of the winger to his squad.
The Pirates coach explained that his selection was based on tactics and his plan for how the match might develop. He viewed Appollis as a potential game-changer who could be introduced when the team needed an attacking spark.
Ouaddou also pointed to the early goal as a key factor that disrupted Pirates’ original strategy.
His comments suggest that the decision was a tactical one rather than a sign that he no longer trusts Appollis. The coach continues to regard the winger as an important player and an established international.
Nevertheless, being used as an impact substitute in such a high-profile fixture will inevitably draw attention to Appollis’ recent performances.
Can Appollis get back to his best?
Pirates will need their attacking players to contribute consistently if they are to challenge for honours across the season. Appollis’ pace, creativity and ability to threaten defenders made him a valuable asset last term, and regaining that influence could be crucial.
A dip in form does not necessarily mean a long-term decline. However, the winger will need to turn his opportunities into more decisive performances if he is to reclaim a regular starting role and silence doubts about his current contribution.
For Ouaddou, the challenge will be finding the right balance between managing Appollis’ form and getting the best out of the attacking options available to him.
The big question for the Buccaneers is whether Appollis can rediscover the confidence and end product that made him one of the standout performers of the previous campaign.
Do Orlando Pirates need to keep faith with Oswin Appollis, or should Abdeslam Ouaddou continue using him as an impact substitute until his form improves? Share your thoughts.
