Snl24 | Transfer window countdown begins | Where is Appollis?

POLOKWANE, SOUTH AFRICA – MAY 08: Oswin Appollis of Polokwane City during the DStv Premiership match between Polokwane City and Richards Bay at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on May 08, 2024 in Polokwane, South Africa.

(Photo by Philip Maeta/Gallo Images)

In the midst of the possible exit of Oswin Appollis from Polokwane City, head coach Phuti Mohafe has explained the absence of the in-demand winger during the side’s 2-1 win over AmaZulu FC over the weekend.

Rise and Shine got their season on the front foot with a hard-fought win over Usuthu at New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. The visitors’ Etiosa Ighodaro opened the scoring before Bulelani Nikani and Thabang Matuludi.

READ | Chiefs handed lifeline in Appollis chase?

Somewhat surprisingly, City were without their talisman who needed a brace to help Bafana Bafana overcome South Sudan on Tuesday afternoon.

While his absence only fuels the reports of a pending move away from the club – with Chiefs understood to be among the frontrunners – Mohafe has insisted that the 23-year-old was simply being rested.

“Oswin is alive, Oswin is here,” Mohafe told journalists after the match.

“He didn’t play, he was in the national team. So, we have to rest him, we need him more going forward.”

“It was specifically for him because he played two tough games, so we felt like the way he performed there, he needed some rest.

“As a coach, I’m very much proud of him, as a team we are proud of his performances. For him, he is doing great for himself, he is doing great for his club and he is doing great for his family.”

ALSO READ | Appollis left out as PLK City snatch victory

Both Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have also been reported to be keeping tabs on the situation surrounding Appollis. The transfer window will slam shut on Friday, 20 September, while City will return to action on Saturday when they host newly promoted Magesi.

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