Soweto Derby blow? Abdeslam Ouaddou issues update on Appollis and Sebelebele

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October 14, 2026 7:24 pm Related News: Abdeslam Ouaddou | Kamogelo Sebelebele | Orlando Pirates | Oswin Appollis

Abdeslam Ouaddou and Oswin Appollis: Picture by Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained why he substituted Oswin Appollis early in the second half against TS Galaxy on Tuesday, while also touching on Kamogelo Sebelebele’s injury as the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs looms.

Speaking to journalists at Orlando Amstel Arena following the Betway Premiership 3-0 victory over the Rockets, Ouaddou addressed why he opted against the Bafana Bafana star continuing with the match. Appollis was withdrawn for Kabelo Kgosietsile 10 minutes after the restart as Pirates went on to record the convincing victory.

The winger had returned to the starting line-up after coming on as a substitute in last weekend’s MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns. Tuesday’s game had seen Appollis setting up Boitumelo Radiopane to open the scoring for the Buccaneers.

Pirates now prepare to take on Namibian champions African Stars in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round, first leg at the National Stadium in Gaborone, Botswana on Saturday. After hosting African Stars the following weekend, the Soweto Derby against Chiefs awaits Ouaddou and his men on October 31.

“It seems to be fatigue, I hope because he [Appollis] is one of our best players, important player in the group,” Ouaddou told the media.

“You know we have an important game in the Champions League, we have the derby coming. For now I don’t have too much information about that. I just didn’t want to take a risk with him.

“He is a very important player, so when I spoke with him and the medical department, we just decided not to take a risk. We will assess him, and we will see maybe tomorrow [Wednesday] we will have more information about him.”

The TS Galaxy match also saw Ouaddou handing former Milford FC defender Bulelani Sigomoshe his Pirates debut. Sigomoshe started at right-back, stepping in for Kamogelo Sebelebele, who is injured.

The Bafana right-back was injured in the MTN8 final and was seen walking with crutches after the match. Ouaddou has hinted that Sebelebele could be back for the Soweto Derby.

“He is still being assessed by the medical department. I still hope is he is not so bad. But we will have some more news I think soon,” Ouaddou went on.

“But I think for the Champions League, definitely I cannot use him, but we will see for the next games if we can have him or not. We hope it’s not so bad.”

RELATED STORY: Abdeslam Ouaddou explains why Oswin Appollis started on bench in MTN8 final