Oswin Appollis Keeps Focus on Team Success Amid Footballer of the Season Talk
Orlando Pirates winger Oswin Appollis has emerged as one of the most talked‑about players in the 2024‑25 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season. Despite his impressive goal‑scoring record, the 24‑year‑old insists that personal accolades are far from his mind.
Early Season Impact and Statistics
Appollis joined the Buccaneers from Polokwane City at the start of the campaign and has quickly become a key contributor. In his first 19 appearances across all competitions he has registered 11 goals and 8 assists, a return that has placed him among the league’s top attacking threats.
- Goals: 11
- Assists: 8
- Appearances: 19 (league, cup and continental matches)
These figures have been highlighted in multiple match reports, including a detailed analysis by KickOff.com and a post‑match summary on IOL Sport.
Derby Preparation and Mindset
Speaking at Pirates’ media day at Rand Stadium, Appollis emphasized the collective approach that has guided the team’s recent resurgence.
“Right now our focus is on winning games as a group and sharing the ball as much as possible. That’s what the group has been doing.”
When asked about the prestigious Footballer of the Season award, he was unequivocal:
“The Player of the Season award is not on my mind at the moment. My job is to score goals for the team, help the team win and score goals. Our goal is to win the league, that’s all.”
The upcoming Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium presents another opportunity for Appollis to make an impact. He scored in the first encounter this season, a 3‑0 victory for Pirates in February, and expects the rematch to be even more fiercely contested.
“The previous derby was exciting and I expect this one to be even more exciting. We were confident in the first derby and this one won’t be easy.”
Title Race Context
Orlando Pirates currently sit atop the PSL table, two points clear of second‑placed Mamelodi Sundowns. The Brazilians, however, have two games in hand, keeping the title race tightly contested.
- Orlando Pirates: 1st place, 48 points
- Mamelodi Sundowns: 2nd place, 46 points (2 games in hand)
- Kaizer Chiefs: 5th place, 38 points
Standings are sourced from the official PSL website (PSL Standings) and corroborated by recent coverage on News24 Sport.
Appollis dismissed speculation about how a dropped point in the derby might affect the Buccaneers’ chances, reiterating his “one game at a time” philosophy.
“We are focusing on one game at a time and right now we are focused on Sunday and not the big picture.”
He also reflected on the team’s ability to bounce back from recent draws against Siwelele and Richards Bay, noting that the 3‑0 home win over AmaZulu on Saturday helped restore confidence and reclaimed the top spot.
“Of course we were very disappointed that we lost points but we spoke and said we have to keep going, the league isn’t over yet. We’re just taking it one game at a time. The most important thing is that the boys have learned to take advantage of the opportunities we create.”
Looking Ahead
With the PSL season entering its decisive phase, Appollis’ blend of individual quality and team‑first attitude could prove pivotal for Orlando Pirates’ title ambitions. His willingness to deflect personal praise in favour of collective success aligns with the club’s long‑standing ethos and resonates with supporters who value both flair and unity.
As the Soweto derby looms, all eyes will be on the winger to see whether he can translate his recent form into another decisive contribution—while keeping the ultimate objective, the league trophy, firmly in sight.
