Orlando Pirates assess Oswin Appollis injury ahead of African Stars return

Orlando Pirates are assessing the condition of winger Oswin Appollis after he missed Saturday’s 2-0 CAF Champions League win over African Stars.

The 25-year-old was absent for the first leg of the second preliminary round tie against the Namibian champions after being carried off during Pirates’ previous Betway Premiership match against TS Galaxy.

Appollis was stretchered from the field in the second half of Pirates’ 3-0 victory over Galaxy at the Orlando Amstel Arena last Tuesday, raising doubts over his availability during a demanding period for the club.

There has been no suggestion that the Bafana Bafana international faces a lengthy absence. Pirates are expected to assess his condition as they prepare for a series of important domestic and continental fixtures.

The winger had returned to the starting XI against Galaxy after featuring as a substitute in the 2-0 MTN8 final defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns.

He made an immediate impact in that match by setting up Boitumelo Radiopane for the opening goal, but his own involvement ended prematurely when he was forced to leave the pitch.

After the Galaxy game, Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said he hoped Appollis had gone off because of fatigue. Ouaddou had previously stressed the need to manage his squad carefully as the team deals with a congested schedule.

Pirates will host African Stars at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday for the second leg, with qualification for the CAF Champions League group stages at stake. It remains uncertain whether Appollis will recover in time to take part.

The club will also want the winger available for its Carling Knockout Cup campaign and the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs on October 31.

Pirates are balancing their domestic commitments with their progress in continental competition, making Appollis’ fitness an important consideration as the season continues.