Mosimane says Appollis workload will not influence Bafana Bafana selection

Pitso Mosimane says Orlando Pirates’ decision to manage Oswin Appollis’ workload will not affect how he selects the winger for Bafana Bafana.

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou recently reduced Appollis’ playing time as a precaution, citing concerns over the 25-year-old’s fatigue and workload.

The attacker has started only four of the nine Betway Premiership matches in which he has appeared for the Buccaneers during the 2026/27 campaign.

However, Mosimane rejected the suggestion that the national team should follow the same approach when Bafana Bafana face Kenya in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday, 13 November 2026.

The match will be played at Orlando Amstel Arena, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00.

Asked whether he would take Pirates’ management of Appollis into account, Mosimane said the national team’s limited schedule meant fatigue was not an issue for him to manage.

“We play once in two months. There is no fatigue with us, right? So the fatigue does not belong to us. Fatigue is not for me to manage, right? For me, it’s to choose the best player who is around and who is available,” Pitso declared.

Mosimane added that he would not alter his selection decisions because of comments made by others.

“I don’t overtrain; I don’t de-train the team. I just say who is available and who is good for the country (and then) I use them. I hear that alot in press conferences. To be honest, some I don’t listen to,” Mosimane told media.

“If I start listening to anyone, then my decisions and my way of thinking will be swayed.”

The Bafana Bafana coach said his priority was to select the strongest players available and fit for international duty, rather than mirror the decisions taken by their domestic clubs.

Appollis’ reduced involvement at Pirates has nevertheless drawn attention during the current league season. The winger has made nine league appearances but has been included in the starting line-up on only four occasions.

Mosimane’s comments come before a crucial home fixture against Kenya, with Bafana Bafana preparing for their latest 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying assignment.