Appollis Reacts To Footballer Of The Season Buzz
Orlando Pirates’ star attacker Oswin Appollis has downplayed talk of individual accolades this season, insisting his focus remains firmly on the Buccaneers’ push for the Betway Premiership title.
Appollis, who joined Pirates from Polokwane City at the start of the season, has been one of the standout performers under coach Abdelsam Ouaddou, as the team pushes Mamelodi Sundowns for the Betway Premiership title.
The 24-year-old has made 36 appearances across all competitions, scoring 11 goals and providing nine assists. His contributions have helped Pirates climb to the top of the league standings with 58 points from 25 matches, two points ahead of second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns.
However, Sundowns, coached by Miguel Cardoso, have a game in hand against Stellenbosch FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday.
“No, at the moment our focus is on winning games as a group,” Appollis said when asked about the possibility of individual awards.
“We share the ball, and that’s what the group has been doing. Whoever scores, we are always there to assist, and that’s my role as well.
“The Footballer of the Season or Players’ Player of the Season is not something on my mind right now. My job is to score goals and help the team win.”
Pirates defeated AmaZulu 3–0 this past weekend, with Appollis among the scorers. The former SuperSport United player has now netted four goals in his last three matches, including a brace in a 5–0 win over Golden Arrows.
Pirates will next face Kaizer Chiefs in a sold-out Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium this weekend, where they will aim to maintain their advantage in the title race.
Appollis scored in the 3–0 win over Chiefs in the reverse fixture in February — the first time Pirates had won a league derby by three goals in 25 years, and his debut appearance in one of South Africa’s biggest matches.
With the title race intensifying, Pirates cannot afford to drop points, especially with Sundowns close behind.
“We are taking it one game at a time,” Appollis added. “Sunday is the next match, and that’s where our focus is.”
