Snl24 | ‘My mind was always on being at Bafana one day’

Jayden Adams, Oswin Appollis and Mihlali Mayambela during the South Africa national mens soccer team media open day at Lentelus Sportsground on January 08, 2023 in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

(Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)

Rising star Oswin Appollis has opened up on his meteoric rise at Polokwane City to the Bafana Bafana squad that will take on the continent’s best at the AFCON.

One of the surprise package of the season has been the emergence of Appollis, who after making his Bafana debut against Rwanda, has made final 23-man squad that will head to Ivory Coast to compete in the continental showpiece.

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Speaking to media at Bafana’s camp in Stellenbosch on Monday, the 22-year-old said he did not expect his Bafana dream to come true so soon.

“No [I didn’t expect it] to be honest, I was just focused on doing well you know,” Appollis said.

“My mind was always on being at Bafana one day and I just had this mentally of doing well and see where I can get.

“It’s massive being called [to Bafana] for the second time, we are going to a big tournament, the AFCON, where every young player wants to be. I’m privileged to get the opportunity from the coach.

It was meant to happen, I went through a bit of bumpy bumps but I’m happy with the progress and I want to continue doing well now.”

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The speedy winger will be facing stiff competition for a place in the starting line-up with the likes of Percy Tau, Mihlali Mayambela and Themba Zwane all capable of playing down the wing.

“It’s very exciting because I used to watch them every weekend. so, it’s an honour to be around these people and learn from them on the field and off the field as well,” Appollis added.

Bafana take on Lesotho in a practice match to be played in Pretoria on Wednesday before flying to Ivory Coast on Thursday.

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