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Moroccan is amazed: Abdeslam Ouaddou talks about the huge impact Oswin Appollis has had on the team!

The Moroccan is very impressed with their Moroccan player.

Orlando Pirates' head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has been effusive in his praise for the immediate impact of winger Oswin Appollis, whose off-season signing is already paying rich dividends. The 24-year-old proved his worth once again in a dramatic Tuesday night fixture against Siwelele FC at the Toyota Stadium.

With the Betway Premiership clash seemingly destined for a frustrating goalless draw, Appollis, introduced as a second-half substitute, emerged as the hero. He broke the deadlock with a solitary strike in the final ten minutes, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory and maximum points for the Soweto giants.

This match-winning contribution is precisely why the Sea Robbers pursued him so aggressively. Appollis, who joined from Polokwane City FC ahead of the 2025/26 season, has been instrumental from the start, justifying the club's success in beating out rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns in a continental race for his signature.

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou elaborated on the strategic thinking behind Oswin Appollis's match-winning impact from the bench, highlighting the crucial balance between management and talent. Acknowledging the difficulty of navigating multiple competitions, Ouaddou revealed the decision to start Appollis as a substitute was a premeditated plan to manage his workload, as the winger had featured in every game.

"It’s not easy for me as a coach because you always want to play all your best players," Ouaddou admitted, emphasizing the need for caution over a long season to prevent injuries. The trip to Bloemfontein was made with the specific intention of unleashing him later in the game. The coach heaped praise on Appollis, calling him "a special player," and credited the club's scouting department for their precise work in identifying a talent that perfectly fits the identity of Orlando Pirates.