Orlando Pirates adopt cautious approach over Oswin Appollis return

Orlando Pirates are taking no chances with Oswin Appollis despite the winger returning to training and reporting that he is no longer in pain.

The 25-year-old Bafana Bafana international was absent for Pirates’ 1-0 win against African Stars in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie after being stretchered off during the club’s 3-0 Betway Premiership victory over TS Galaxy.

Appollis had started the match against Galaxy and quickly made an impact, setting up Boitumelo Radiopane for the opening goal before being forced to leave the field.

His condition was monitored as Pirates prepared for a demanding sequence of matches, with coach Abdeslam Ouaddou providing an update during the club’s media day at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Thursday.

The coach said Appollis had taken part in training, but explained that the technical team was carefully assessing his fitness rather than assuming he was ready to play.

“Look, I’m happy that he’s coming back in training. The target today was to assess him, to see what he’s able to do, and we start with the warm-up to see if he can sprint. So, it’s good news that I spoke with him at the end of training,” Ouaddou told journalists.

“He told me that he doesn’t feel any more pain. But at the same time, you have to understand that Oswin is really an important player in our team. I call them, they are all Ferraris, you know.

“They are all Ferraris. It means Ferraris, you have to take care of the engine very well, and I don’t want to take a risk with one of the important players. So, we have many games, somebody mentioned it, important games.

“So, we have to be careful and not to burn the stages more.”

Ouaddou’s comments indicate that Appollis’ return to full training does not necessarily mean he will be involved in Friday’s second leg against African Stars.

Pirates will be aiming to secure their place in the CAF Champions League group stages when they face the Namibian side, having taken a narrow advantage from the opening match.

Their schedule also includes the Carling Knockout Cup and the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs on October 31. Those fixtures have further encouraged the club to manage Appollis’ recovery conservatively.

Pirates will therefore be hoping the winger can continue progressing without a setback, while avoiding any decision that could jeopardise his availability for the important matches ahead.