Ouaddou Praises Appollis, the Double Award Champion of the Pirates
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou praised Oswin Appollis for his impressive performances after the standout forward achieved a fantastic monthly double on Tuesday.
Appollis clinched both the Premiership Player and Goal of the Month awards for April, solidifying his status as a vital player in the Buccaneers’ title contention.
The winger is quickly becoming a prime candidate for the PSL Player of the Season, having earned his inaugural Player of the Month accolade.
In four matches throughout April, the forward scored four goals and provided one assist, showcasing his essential contribution to Pirates’ championship ambitions. This accolade follows his notable achievement surpassing teammate Relebohile Mofokeng, with whom he will be contending for the Footballer of the Season award.
The duo has united for 15 goals this season, establishing them as the league’s most formidable creative partnership.
Appollis also took home the Goal of the Month award for his spectacular shot against AmaZulu at Orlando Stadium on April 18. This brilliant goal demonstrated his sharp awareness as he created space before finishing with precision.
With 11 goals and nine assists from 34 appearances across all competitions, the World Cup-bound player has featured in every league match this season.
His stellar form includes a vital contribution in Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Stellenbosch at Athlone Stadium, a result that puts pressure on league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
“While I like to highlight the collective effort, which is always my main focus, Appollis is undoubtedly standing out due to his teammates,” expressed Ouaddou. “Nonetheless, I cannot ignore that he is a remarkable player who adds a unique element to this team.”
What is Abdeslam Ouaddou’s Tactical Perspective on Appollis?
Ouaddou pointed out Appollis’ unique attributes that can break through stubborn PSL defenses.
“From a technical perspective, especially in clutch finishing, his creativity is crucial to our strategy,” Ouaddou elaborated.
“For example, in the encounter with Stellenbosch, it was a tight match. You can apply various tactical plans, but sometimes you need players like Mofokeng, Appollis, Tito [Patrick Maswanganyi], and Andre de Jong—individuals who provide that special flair in the attacking phase.”
Can Orlando Pirates Surpass Mamelodi Sundowns to Secure the Title?
Following Tuesday’s success, Orlando Pirates have moved up to 62 points—just two points shy of league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. The Buccaneers are optimistic that their Soweto rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, will assist them by defeating Miguel Cardoso’s Sundowns at Loftus Stadium on Wednesday.
If the results are favorable with three matches left, the Pirates could secure their first league title since the 2011/12 season.
Notably, the 62 points Pirates have accrued this season surpass last year’s total of 61, achieved under former coach José Riveiro, who departed after last season.
Indeed, this 62-point figure marks the highest the Pirates have recorded in the PSL era since the 30-match format was introduced, illustrating the significant impact of Ouaddou’s tactical adjustments. This tally even outstrips all previous seasons when they claimed the league title during the PSL era.
Ouaddou’s high-flying squad will strive to maintain their winning streak as they face Magesi at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
