Appollis hails Mbokazi’s move, turns focus to All-Stars

Mbokazi played his final match for the Buccaneers in the Carling Knockout final and is now set to join MLS side Chicago Fire.

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Appollis, who has grown close to him since arriving at the club, says he’s confident Mbokazi will adapt quickly and thrive abroad.

"As you can see, as young as he is, he is a grown man, you know - technical, defending, everything you know. I just want to wish him all the best. I know he will do well at Chicago," said Appollis.

Appollis also reflected on Pirates’ Carling Knockout triumph, praising the team’s fighting spirit in their 1–0 win over Marumo Gallants at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Voted Man of the Match by supporters, Appollis added the victory was a product of the squad’s hard work and desire to finish the year strongly.

"We have been working hard, you know. Working toward lifting a trophy, as you saw today - the boys fought and we managed to take the second cup home," added Appollis.

With celebrations now behind them, Pirates shift their attention to the Carling Black Label Cup showdown against the Carling All-Stars on 13 December at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Appollis says the mindset in the camp is clear: compete for every trophy and maintain the high standards expected of the club.

"As Orlando Pirates, we approach the Carling All-Stars with the same mentality - we are going there to win," he expressed.

Turning to the international scene, Appollis reacted to Bafana Bafana’s World Cup draw which places them in Group A and sets up an opening match against Mexico, a repeat of South Africa’s 2010 FIFA World Cup opener.

A regular under coach Hugo Broos was 9 years old in 2010 and he reflects where he was when Simphiwe Tshabalala scored that iconic goal for Bafana on home soil.