‘He is critical, crucial & shown quality more!’ Pirates star praised

Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates versatile attacker has been lauded for his impact for both the Soweto giants and the national team.

The 25-year-old was signed by the Sea Robbers at the beginning of the 2025/26 season following his exploits while at Polokwane City, a team he joined in the 2023/24 campaign.

Appollis played a crucial role to help the Buccaneers to win the Premier Soccer League, Carling Knockout and MTN8 last season. He has been a regular for Bafana Bafana since his time at Rise and Shine explaining the reported interest from abroad.

Kwanele Kopo, who helped in shaping up Appollis in his early days, has lauded the winger, saying he has just underlined his quality with consistent displays.

He has shown his quality more

“For me to see him as a critical player for Orlando Pirates, he was a crucial player for Polokwane City, credit to the chairman of Polokwane City, Mr Johnny Mogaladi, for giving him an opportunity,” he opened up in presser.

“It’s one team that also gives unknown players an opportunity and he excelled at Polokwane City and from there to Orlando Pirates, he has only grown bigger and bigger and I think he has shown his quality more.

“You see him at Bafana scoring goals and creating goals. I watched him against Eritrea, for me he has four assists, because even a rebound is from his shot.

“So I’m happy to have had a hand in a player that has gone on to contribute so much to South Africa. Together with others that I’ve worked with, the Ronwens, I’m very excited to have played that role and I hope for many more players, there are a lot of players in South Africa,” Kopo concluded.