Orlando Pirates’ Oswin Appollis has opened up about his bond with club and international teammate Sipho Mbule, which goes back to their formative years at SuperSport United.
Both players have become key for club and country this year, and all eyes will be on them as Pirates take on Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout Cup final this weekend.
After coming through the ranks at Matsatsantsa, they went their separate ways when Appollis moved to Pretoria Callies and then Polokwane City, while Mbule was signed by Mamelodi Sundowns.
They were eventually reunited ahead of the 2025/26 season when both players joined Soweto giants Orlando Pirates. According to Appollis, it was Mbule who convinced the club to secure his services.
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“He did tell the chairman [to sign me],” the 24-year-old Appollis said, according to FARPost. “But we came from SuperSport already and created a small bond. Even when I went to Polokwane, he always checked up on me to see if I’m okay,” Appollis said.
Internationally, Mbule made his Bafana Bafana debut in a World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe back in 2021, but couldn’t hold on to his place in the team, spending the next four years on the outside. Appollis made his debut in 2023, and has become a key player under head coach Hugo Broos.
Five months ago, Mbule was given a second chance at international football, and he’s grabbed it with both hands, becoming an important player alongside Appollis.
“I think as a player … the more you put in the hard work, eventually you’ll get rewarded, and that is something that has been happening now. I’m happy to see him going with the team to Afcon,” he said about Mbule’s return to the Bafana Bafana fold.
Sport
