‘We have to protect our diamond’ – Ouaddou explains Appollis’ reduced game time

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‘We have to protect our diamond’ – Ouaddou explains Appollis’ reduced game time
Oswin Appollis of Orlando Pirates. Image: Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has shared the reasons behind the reduced game time of Oswin Appollis.

Appollis is yet to start a game since September with spells on the bench in his last six games, coming on in five of them, while he was not involved in the CAF Champions League against African Stars last month.

Oswin Appollis of Orlando Pirates with the ball as Kaizer Chiefs' Brandon Petersen closes him down in the Soweto Derby.
Oswin Appollis of Orlando Pirates with the ball as Kaizer Chiefs’ Brandon Petersen closes him down in the Soweto Derby. Image: Orlando Pirates

That has led to speculation over whether there is a problem behind the scenes given Appollis is one of the key players at the club and had an impressive debut season, scoring 12 goals and adding nine assists in 2025-26.

Ouaddou says he has opted to reduce Apppollis’ workload to prevent fatigue as he has not had a proper rest since joining the club in July 2025.

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and his players in training.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and his players in training. Image: Orlando Pirates

Ouaddou on Appollis’ reduced workload

“Appollis is a masterclass. He is one of our best players and one of the best in South Africa and full of quality,” said Ouaddou.

“But we don’t have to forget he is human and not a robot. He played a fantastic season in his fist season at Pirates after coming from Polokwane and a lot of things have changed for him.

Oswin Appollis, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Camren Dansin of Orlando Pirates.
IOswin Appollis, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Camren Dansin. mage – Orlando Pirates

“He managed to handle all these things and managed to have a fantastic season. Straight away, he went to the World Cup and not just him, many other players in Europe.

“He gave everything for his country and is a guy who is not cheating.”

Pirates coach backs winger to flourish soon

Contrasting Appollis’ situation and his as a player, Ouaddou insists it is necessary to protect the winger as they will need him for some key matches in the coming weeks.

Oswin Appollis of Orlando Pirates playing against La Cure Waves.
Oswin Appollis of Orlando Pirates in CAF Champions League

“So, we can understand why sometimes a player can have this fatigue and for me, six years in a row, I was making the squad for the World Cup in Morocco, AFCON and when I went to Europe, I played the Europa League and the league,” he added.

“I can understand. We are protecting our diamond because we know we have many games and if we protect him, give him this time, he will be important for us and we will benefit from this protection we give him.

“Soon you will see Appollis back. He is someone I love and I don’t want to burn him.”

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a sports journalist covering South Africa, with 16 years in sports media and a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. Focused on football analysis and responsible gambling, his work has appeared on GOAL and Pulse Sports Kenya, and he is a regular football analyst on TV and radio.

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