‘He can play anywhere’ - Mosimane full of praise for Pirates star after Bafana heroics

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane praised the exceptional display of winger Oswin Appollis after the Orlando Pirates attacker orchestrated a resounding 5-0 victory over Eritrea on Wednesday evening.

In the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier staged at Cairo’s Al-Salam Stadium, Appollis produced a playmaking masterclass, directly setting up three goals and playing a pivotal role in the rout.

Oswin Appollis (right) playing for Bafana against Eritrea. Image: Imago

Relebohile Mofokeng opened the scoring spree with a clinical first-half brace, finding the net in the 19th and 45th minutes courtesy of pinpoint through-balls from Appollis.

South Africa maintained their relentless tempo after the interval, with Yaya Sithole pouncing on a parried Appollis strike to make it three in the 52nd minute.

Bafana Bafana attacker Oswin Appollis. Image: SAFA

Mosimane in awe of Pirates forward

The vibrant winger was back in the provider’s role just past the hour mark, teeing up Iqraam Rayners for an emphatic finish from a tight angle. Deep into stoppage time, Appollis completed his stellar evening by delivering the assist for Luther Singh to slot home Bafana’s fifth, capping off an emphatic collective triumph.

3 – Oswin Appollis provided three assists for Bafana Bafana against Eritrea today. The last Bafana player to provide a hat-trick of assists in a game was Appollis himself against Congo in October 2024. Déjà-vu. pic.twitter.com/9wS3cs2SHW
— OptaJabu (@OptaJabu) September 30, 2026

Speaking during his post-match briefing, Mosimane highlighted Appollis’ tactical flexibility and work ethic.

Usikhulumisile bo mqeqeshi. Uyibambe lapho. Siyabonga. let’s focus on what’s ahead and support our boys pic.twitter.com/oHzjPDQgD6
— Andile Ncube (@AndileNcube) October 1, 2026

“I am happy with the two (actually three) assists from Appollis. He can play anywhere – on the wings, drift inside, and all of that,” said Mosimane.

“He’s a good boy and a good player. I am happy with Appollis; he gave us assists. He gave Luther Singh an opportunity to make a strong return, as he’s been out for a long time.”

Bafana coach lauds team unity

Oswin Appollis of Orlando Pirates in action for Bafana. Image: Imago

Mosimane also commended the unity within the squad, pointing to Singh’s contribution off the bench.

“Even Luther delivered two good balls, which shows that the players are together and there’s no selfishness,” he added.

The Bafana tactician will hope Appollis can sustain this electric form as South Africa prepare for a high-stakes showdown against continental giants Egypt this coming weekend.