Oswin Appollis reveals Abdeslam Ouaddou orders before MTN8 final heroics
15th September 2025
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Orlando Pirates winger Oswin Appollis has revealed the instructions he received from coach Abdeslam Ouaddou just moments before coming off the bench in the Buccaneers’ 3-0 victory over Stellenbosch in the MTN8 final.
With the game still goalless heading into extra time, Pirates introduced Appollis, Tshepang Moremi and Tshegofatso Mabasa — a triple substitution that immediately turned the tide.
Appollis, who provided both assists for Moremi’s brace, detailed how his decisive contribution was shaped by the coach’s guidance.
“No, he just said when I came on to exploit the wide side and try to pin them back, and to get the ball around them. We have to give credit to the team – we all fought,” said the player signed from Polokwane City.
“Even in the first half, it’s us sitting on the bench who always have to look at what we’re going to do when we come on. So we don’t call ourselves substitutions… we call ourselves impact players. But credit has to go to the whole team.”
On winning a trophy in his debut season at Pirates, the 24-year-old insisted he had always expected success when he joined.
“I am very excited, you know. The day I signed I always knew that I was going to win trophies, and it happened. I’m very happy. We are a team that will continue fighting and we are happy that we scored the goals that got us the trophy,” he said.
