Orlando Pirates agent dismisses Oswin Appollis transfer reports

Oswin Appollis is not currently known to be negotiating a move away from Orlando Pirates, according to his agent Lance Davids, who has dismissed reports linking the Bafana Bafana forward with a transfer to France.

Davids told IOL Sport that suggestions Appollis could leave the Soweto club were unfounded, insisting: “I don’t know of anything. It’s only terrible rumours.”

The reports emerged after several publications claimed an unnamed Ligue 1 club had made contact with Appollis, his agency and Orlando Pirates over a possible move during the current transfer window.

However, Ligue 1’s transfer window closed on 1 September. That led to speculation that Appollis could either remain with Orlando Pirates or join another club on loan until January or the end of the season before completing a permanent transfer.

Davids’ comments appear to rule out any immediate departure for the 24-year-old, who has been linked with interest from Europe following his performances for South Africa.

Appollis had a relatively quiet start to the season, with Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou explaining that the forward and several of his team-mates were still dealing with fatigue from the FIFA World Cup.

South Africa reached the knockout stages of the tournament, with Appollis playing a part in Bafana Bafana’s impressive campaign. The attacker has since begun to regain his sharpness and has scored twice and provided two assists in the Betway Premiership.

He is expected to play an important role as Orlando Pirates attempt to retain their domestic crown, including in next month’s MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Before then, Appollis’ immediate focus is on the CAF Champions League. Orlando Pirates host La Cure Waves in the second leg of their preliminary-round tie on Saturday after the two sides drew 0-0 in Mauritius.

Appollis, who wears the number seven shirt for Bafana Bafana, was also reportedly of interest to FC Porto shortly after representing South Africa at the FIFA World Cup in June and July. The Portuguese club was alleged to have submitted an offer worth R75 million.

A departure would represent a significant blow for Orlando Pirates, who have already lost high-profile players including Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi.

Appollis was close to winning the PSL Footballer of the Season award, and the club will hope he can reproduce the form that placed him among the leading performers in South African football.

For now, Davids’ denial suggests Appollis remains committed to the Buccaneers. The forward was recently pictured in action against Kaizer Chiefs’ Pule Mmodi, and his attention is expected to remain on helping Orlando Pirates progress in the CAF Champions League and compete for further honours.