Polokwane City’s veteran goalkeeper Manuel Sapunga has singled out that one teammate who dazzles in his eyes every day in training.
The DStv Premiership returnees have had an impressive run in their first season back in the top flight. On Saturday, they held Kaizer Chiefs to a goalless draw at the FNB Stadium. The result saw them drop to 10th position following AmaZulu FC’s win over Sekhukhune United.
However, they are tied on 36 points with the Chiefs and AmaZulu FC, although the two have a better goal difference. The 32-year-old goalie has been a vital cog for the Polokwane-based side this season. Against Amakhosi, he kept his 11th clean sheet in 20 matches this season. But he believes there is only one player who has made their team look different in both style and flair.
WHO IS THE POLOKWANE CITY STAR WHO DAZZLES IN SAPUNGA’S EYES EVERY DAY?
Sapunga singles out Oswin Appollis as the club’s silver lining, as they managed to preserve their DStv Premiership status. The 22-year-old is arguably Polokwane City’s best player this season and is also part of the Bafana Bafana set-up.
How he has performed is said to have attracted the interest of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, who reportedly made advances early this year.
The Phuti Mohafe-coached side is said to have turned down the advances. However, it remains to be seen how long they will hold onto the speedy midfielder.
So far the Polokwane City rising star has scored six goals and provided five assists in 26 appearances across all competitions.
WHAT MANUEL SAPUNGA SAID ABOUT OSWIN APPOLLIS
“The one who has impressed me the most is the young player, Appolis. He has been doing very well and by the Grace of God, he has been called to the Bafana Bafana squad.
“It’s a big achievement for him because he has been doing very well since the season started. I can’t lie, you will enjoy him more at training than at the game.
“I’m not saying he doesn’t do much in the game. But he is a quality player, the way he passes, and the way he thinks before he receives the ball, amazes me. He has been the special part for us,” Sapunga told FARPost.
Appollis has been the team’s feared attacking threat throughout the season. His pace and dribbling skills have often left defenders in disarray.
Moreso, his eye for goal has even earned him a place in Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana squad. The rising star made the cut into Bafana’s AFCON squad and won a bronze medal, thanks to his sterling displays in the league.
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