Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is taking no chances with Oswin Appollis as the winger continues to recover from the demands of Bafana Bafana’s World Cup campaign.
Appollis was substituted after 65 minutes of Pirates’ 1-0 MTN8 semi-final first-leg victory over Sekhukhune United on Saturday, with Deon Hotto scoring the only goal. The sides meet again on Tuesday in the Betway Premiership, but Ouaddou is expected to continue carefully managing Appollis’ workload.
The 24-year-old has featured in all five of Pirates’ matches this season but has yet to complete a full 90 minutes.
“Appollis is Appollis; you know him,” Ouaddou said. “Even if he’s 50%, or let’s say even 40% fit, he can score at any moment.”
The coach believes Appollis’ lack of full fitness is understandable given how recently South Africa’s World Cup players returned to domestic football.
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“We are not surprised. He’s not the only player who is not in the fitness state that we want. All the guys who were at the World Cup, you can see that it’s difficult for them.”
Ouaddou has therefore removed Appollis early in every match this season, prioritising his long-term fitness over keeping him on the pitch.
“He’s one of our best players, and when you have a diamond in your house, you have to protect it,” he said. “We are doing everything to help him return to good shape.”
The approach has been reinforced by injuries suffered by other World Cup players. Pirates’ Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa have both suffered serious setbacks and require surgery, while former Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Mamelodi Sundowns’ Khuliso Mudau have also sustained long-term injuries.
“To protect them I need to anticipate any big injuries. It’s my job to do that,” Ouaddou said.
With Pirates facing a demanding campaign across several competitions, the coach is determined not to add to the casualty list.
“We don’t want the list to grow because this season will be very long,” he said.