Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou embraces star winger Oswin Appollis.
Image: BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is customarily hesitant to shower individuals with praise, but the Moroccan could not resist lauding winger Oswin Appollis for his contribution to the team.
Pirates are within touching distance of league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, trailing the champions by just two points after their 2-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium.
The Buccaneers' lofty position has much to do with Appollis’ form this season—especially over the past month, during which he scored four goals and provided several assists. This led to the Bafana Bafana star being named Betway Premiership Player of the Month for April.
"Even though I like to speak about the collective project — because for me that's the most important thing — Appollis is shining within that collective, through his teammates," Ouaddou said.
"But I cannot avoid or forget to say that he's a fantastic player. He brings something special to the team, technically, in terms of finishing in the final third."
Pirates have enjoyed a record-breaking season, with the Sea Robbers already netting 53 goals.
Ouaddou believes this is due to the quality Appollis possesses, along with his fellow Bucs forwards.
"He is somebody whose creativity is very important to the team," he said.
"Sometimes you need these kinds of players — like Rele, like Appollis, like Tito (Patrick Maswanganyi), and Andre de Jong as well. These kinds of players can give you that creativity in the final third."
Appollis is being touted as a strong candidate for Betway Premiership Player of the Year, along with his gifted teammate Relebohile Mofokeng, who also continues to impress in every outing.