Polokwane City head coach Phuti Mohafe has been steadfast in his decision to not sell any players in the current transfer window.
Thabang Matuludi and Oswin Appollis were the standout performers for Rise and Shine in the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season and have been among the most in-demand players in the league after impressive debut campaigns.
Appollis, 22, signed from Pretoria Callies last season and secured a regular starting berth for Polokwane City. Despite his tender age, he went on to make 29 appearances and scored six goals in his debut season.
The 22-year-old was selected to be part of the Bafana Bafana squad that travelled to Ivory Coast to compete at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations where they finished in third place and featured for Bafana in the World Cup qualifiers after proving to national coach Hugo Broos that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
The left winger has attracted interest from abroad and comes as no surprise to see coach Phuti Mohafe fend off any offers for his star player. Miguel Cardoso, coach of Espérance Sportive de Tunis, has shown interest in Appollis and has since tabled two offers for the South African international just days after securing the services of former Sekhukhune United Elias Mokwana.
Thabang Matuludi, who stared at right back for Rise and Shine this past season, is another player Mohafe has put a ‘not for sale’ sign on as he looks to retain his top players ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Matuludi was part of the Bafana squad that competed in the recent COSAFA Cup. His athleticism along with his defensive accolades has not gone under the radar and has since attracted interest from three top clubs in the PSL, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Stellenbosch are all looking to lure the 25-year-old.
“We kept every player that was there last season, we didn’t release, Matuludi and Oswin are still there,” Mohafe said.
“The offers… I heard they were coming, but we fended them off because we want to be on a progressive mode from last season, we want to improve as a team, and we want growth as a team.”
Polokwane opens their season against current league champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Sunday, 11 August at 15:00, which Mohafe believes is an exciting test to kick off the new campaign.
Written by Marc Strydom.