FC Porto Wanted Oswin Appollis, but Orlando Pirates’ Asking Price Stopped the Deal

Former University of Pretoria head coach Kwanele Kopo has opened up about how he helped revive Orlando Pirates forward Oswin Appollis’ football career after the talented attacker considered giving up on the game.

Appollis has become an important figure in South African football, but his journey to the top was not always smooth. Before establishing himself as one of the country’s exciting attacking players, he experienced a difficult period that left him questioning his future in professional football.

Kopo played an important role in identifying Appollis while he was still developing at Ajax Cape Town. At the time, Kopo was part of the technical setup at SuperSport United, where the club recognised the youngster’s talent and brought him into its academy.

According to Kopo, Appollis fitted the club’s plans to develop young players and deservedly earned promotion to the senior team. However, his progress was interrupted when changes in the coaching staff brought a different playing style. The attacker was eventually released after being deemed surplus to requirements.

Kopo admitted that it was disappointing to see the youngster leave, especially because of the potential he had shown. The two later reunited at Pretoria Callies after Kopo was appointed as the club’s coach.

By then, Appollis had spent more than 18 months away from professional football and had lost the desire to continue playing. Kopo explained that he contacted the forward and encouraged him to return, but the initial response was negative.

Appollis reportedly told his former coach that he was finished with football. However, Kopo refused to give up on him and continued calling for several weeks. He eventually contacted Appollis’ mother as he tried to persuade the player to reconsider his decision.

Kopo promised Appollis one season at Pretoria Callies, telling him that he could return to Cape Town if he failed to secure another professional opportunity. He also explained that the financial rewards would be limited, but the main objective was to help him rebuild his career.

The decision proved important, as Appollis eventually returned to professional football and continued developing his abilities. His progress later saw him establish himself at Orlando Pirates and earn recognition with Bafana Bafana.

Orlando Pirates forward Oswin Appollis has revealed why his proposed move to FC Porto collapsed last season. The Portuguese giants showed interest in the player, but the deal fell through after they failed to meet Pirates’ asking price. Appollis insists the matter is now behind him. “Right now I’m focusing on winning trophies with Orlando Pirates,” he said. The forward added that he remains open to future opportunities, saying he might still receive offers from other European clubs one day.

The failed transfer has not stopped Appollis from concentrating on his responsibilities at Pirates. The forward will be eager to help the Soweto giants compete for major honours while continuing to produce strong performances in domestic competitions.

His contribution to South African football has also been evident at international level. Appollis has impressed in the Bafana Bafana setup, showing his ability to create opportunities and contribute to the team’s attacking play.

Kopo’s account provides a reminder of the challenges young footballers can face when their careers do not progress as expected. Being released by a club can affect a player’s confidence and motivation, particularly when opportunities become difficult to find.

In Appollis’ case, the willingness of a coach to offer another chance helped him return to the game and work towards achieving his ambitions. His journey from being out of professional football to representing Orlando Pirates shows how persistence and support can make a difference.

With Pirates continuing their pursuit of silverware and Appollis remaining open to possible European opportunities, the attacker will hope to build on his progress. For Kopo, seeing the player succeed represents a positive outcome after the difficult period that threatened to end his career prematurely.

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