Orlando Pirates await Oswin Appollis injury update after TS Galaxy win

Orlando Pirates are waiting for the results of an assessment on Oswin Appollis after the winger was substituted during Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy.

Appollis was withdrawn during the match, prompting concern over his fitness, but head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou hopes the player is suffering only from fatigue.

The 23-year-old is regarded as a key member of the Pirates squad, with the club facing a demanding schedule that includes Champions League commitments and the upcoming Soweto Derby.

“It’s fatigue I hope, he’s one of our best players, an important player in the group, you know we have an important games in the Champions League, we have the derby coming, for now I don’t have too much information about that,” Ouaddou said.

Decision made to avoid injury risk

Ouaddou said Appollis’ substitution was a precautionary measure rather than a response to a confirmed injury. The coach made the decision after speaking to the player and consulting the club’s medical department.

“I just didn’t want to take a risk with him, he’s a very important player, so when I spoke with him and medical department, we decided not to take a risk, we will assess him and have more information [on Wednesday].”

The winger is due to undergo further assessment on Wednesday, when Orlando Pirates are expected to have a clearer indication of whether he will be available for their next fixtures.

Any injury to Appollis would be a setback for the Buccaneers as they prepare for both their Champions League matches and the derby. His withdrawal added to the fitness concerns surrounding the squad after the win against TS Galaxy.

Kamogelo Sebelebele was also assessed following the MTN8 final and has been ruled out of the continental fixture.

Orlando Pirates will now hope Appollis’ problem proves to be minor and that the assessment confirms he can continue to play a role during the club’s next important matches.