Polokwane City coach Phuti Mohafe offered a mix of pride and regret as he watched his former star player, Oswin Appollis, score the opening goal for Orlando Pirates in their MTN8 quarterfinal clash.
The skillful winger, who recently made the move to the Buccaneers, made an immediate impact, helping his new team secure a 2-0 victory against his old side.
Mohafe noted that he was impressed by a “different” and more improved Appollis, humorously claiming that he had “taught him well” before his transfer.
Mohafe acknowledged that Appollis's goal was a testament to his growth and the coaching he's received. “It shows that I taught him well, and he has taken it to Pirates,” Mohafe said in the post-match press conference.
He recognised that the goal-scoring movement was a drill they had practiced at Polokwane City, but he also credited the Orlando Pirates coaching staff with “sharpening” the player further.
Mohafe admitted that his team was caught off guard by Appollis's quick action, saying, “the guy who was supposed to close that gap went to slumberland a little bit.”
MOHAFE SAYS HE SAW A MUCH IMPROVED APPOLLIS
Despite the bittersweet feeling of seeing his former player score against him, Mohafe was full of praise. He described the Appollis he saw on Saturday as “another Appollis in terms of the movement ability and playing ability,” adding that he hopes the player continues to improve.
Mohafe also lamented the void left by the Bafana Bafana star's departure, describing him as a “family member” and admitting that it will take time for Polokwane City to find a suitable replacement.
