Mosimane Makes It Clear: Pirates’ Workload Concerns Won’t Stop Him From Selecting Appollis for Bafana

Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has insisted that Orlando Pirates winger Oswin Appollis’ reduced playing time at club level will not influence his national team selection decisions, making it clear that he will continue choosing players based on their availability and what they can offer South Africa.

Mosimane’s comments come ahead of Bafana Bafana’s crucial back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Kenya, with the first encounter scheduled for Friday, November 13, at Orlando Amstel Arena.

Appollis has attracted attention because of his limited involvement at Pirates this season. The winger has reportedly started only four of the nine league matches he has featured in, with Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou explaining that the decision is part of a workload management strategy.

Ouaddou previously described Appollis as one of South Africa’s best players, insisting that the club wants to protect him after a demanding campaign that included domestic football, continental competitions and representing Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

However, Mosimane has made it clear that club workload management will not dictate his national team decisions.

Speaking ahead of the Kenya encounter, the Bafana coach explained that international football has a different schedule, with the national team playing approximately once every two months.

“We play once every two months, so there’s no fatigue with us. So, for me, fatigue is not mine to manage, but to choose the best player around, and who’s available,” Mosimane explained.

He added that he would not overtrain players or make unnecessary changes, insisting that his responsibility is to select footballers who can serve the country.

Appollis previously impressed under Mosimane, providing three assists in Bafana’s 3-1 victory over Eritrea.

South Africa will face Kenya again in Nairobi on November 17, with both matches carrying important AFCON 2027 qualifying points.

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