Pirates Coach Ouaddou Heaps Praise on ‘Special Player’

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has heaped praise on the club’s new star signing Oswin Appollis. 

The 24-year-old winger, who joined the club in the off-season, proved his value once again by scoring the winning goal in Tuesday night’s Betway Premiership match against Siwelele FC.

Coming off the bench in the second half, Appollis netted the solitary goal in the final ten minutes, turning what looked like a sure stalemate into a crucial victory for the Soweto giants. 

The former Polokwane City FC player has been a game-changer for the Sea Robbers since his arrival for the 2025/26 season, a move that saw Pirates beat out rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Since his arrival, Appollis has made 11 appearances across all competitions, contributing three goals and four assists. 

He played a major role, helping them secure the 2025 MTN8 trophy with a 3-1 victory over Stellenbosch FC. Ouaddou praised the club's scouting department for identifying and signing such a talented player.

‘HE’S A SPECIAL PLAYER’ 

“It’s very important to have good management when you have such good players, especially when you play many competitions,” Ouaddou stated. 

He explained that Appollis’s bench role was a pre-planned decision to manage his fitness for the long season ahead. 

“We had a plan to start Appollis on the bench because we wanted to rest him. He has played all the games, it’s not easy for me as a coach because you always want to play all your best players.”

Ouaddou emphasized the importance of preventing injuries, especially with such a pivotal player. “He is a special player, it means that the scouting department of Orlando Pirates did well, they know exactly the kind of players they want for the club and the identity of the club.”