Appollis challenged to prove Pirates award disappointment was no fluke

Former Orlando Pirates attacker Tlou Segolela has urged Oswin Appollis to use his disappointment at missing out on the major end-of-season awards as motivation to deliver again in the new campaign.

Appollis was beaten to three of the biggest individual honours by his former teammate Relebohile Mofokeng, despite playing a significant role in Orlando Pirates’ treble-winning 2025/26 season.

Pirates secured the Betway Premiership title for the first time since 2012, as well as the MTN8 and Carling Knockout. When the nominees for the end-of-season awards were announced, Mofokeng and Appollis were widely regarded as the leading contenders for the headline prizes.

The pair produced remarkably similar numbers during Pirates’ successful campaign. Appollis, who previously played for Polokwane City and Pretoria Callies, scored 12 goals and registered nine assists in all competitions. Mofokeng finished with 11 goals and nine assists.

However, it was Mofokeng who collected the Footballer of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season awards. Appollis received recognition as Midfielder of the Season.

Segolela believes the Players’ Player of the Season award should be accepted as the verdict of those who share the pitch, while also insisting Appollis should not allow the outcome to affect his confidence.

“Appollis contributed too much to Pirates success but if the players feel Mofokeng deserves it, who are we to argue with that? He deserves it. Appollis deserves it also but the players made the decision, who are we to question?” Segolela said to KickOff.com.

The former Pirates player added that Mofokeng was a deserving winner of the Footballer of the Season award, but stressed that the players’ choice carried particular weight in the other category.

“Footballer of the Season, Mofokeng deserves them both. But for the Players’ Player of the Season (award), the players are the ones who are in the game, they are the ones who make the decision.

“Appollis must not be demoralized, it’s a chance for him (this season), he must take it up now, when the season opens, it’s up to him to say, ‘Guys, it was not a fluke last season, I’m still doing the same or I’ve raised my standard,” Segolela added.

Appollis will have the opportunity to respond on the pitch as Pirates begin the defence of their Betway Premiership crown. The champions are due to open their campaign against newly promoted Milford on Saturday afternoon at Orlando Amstel Arena.

The fixture will mark the start of Pirates’ attempt to retain the league title after ending a wait that had stretched back to 2012. Their domestic success last season also included victories in the MTN8 and Carling Knockout, while the individual awards debate between Mofokeng and Appollis remains one of the main talking points surrounding the club as the new season begins.