Agent Lance Davids has revealed the behind-the-scenes reasons for the failed transfer moves of Oswin Appollis and Asanele Velebayi. Both players were highly sought-after during the recent transfer window but ultimately remained at their respective clubs.
Appollis and Velebayi were two of the most in-demand players in the recently concluded transfer window [closed on Friday, 20 September].
Both players impressed in the 2023/24 Betway Premiership season, attracting interest from several top clubs.
Appollis, a former SuperSport United winger, showcased his exceptional skills and goal-scoring abilities for Polokwane City FC. His impressive performances attracted him from Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, and MC Alger.
Furthermore, Appollis’s strong performances earned him a call-up to the Bafana Bafana national team. He starred in South Africa’s recent 2025 AFCON qualifiers, showcasing his talent on the international stage, scoring a brace against South Sudan.
Velebayi, a Cape Town Spurs attacker, played a crucial role in the club’s promotion to the Premiership at the start of the 2023/24 season. His performances caught the attention of Chiefs, who were keen to acquire his services.
LANCE DAVIDS SHEDS LIGHT ON APOLLIS AND VELEBAYI’S FAILED MOVES
Lance Davids has revealed that Appollis could not move after the Polokwane City chairman, Jonny Mogaladi, didn’t answer his phone to negotiate with interested clubs.
The agent further explained that Amakhosi and CT Spurs could not reach an agreement on the transfer fee for Velebayi.
“I knew it would go to the wire with Oswin Appollis because he was in high demand from North Africa. The problem was they [MC Alger] came with an offer, and the club owner [Mogaladi] accepted the offer, but he just went offline,” Davids said on Metro FM.”
“Esperance was also interested but unfortunately, they found a replacement. In the last 72 hours [of the transfer window], Sundowns came in, and they had a chat with Jonny, and he just went offline again.
“Also, Kaizer Chiefs was really interested from the beginning. I think the owner of Polokwane just wanted the transfer fee paid in one instalment; they wanted all the money upfront, and I don’t think Chiefs had the capacity. Kaizer Motaung Jr was pushing; even Bobby Motaung was pushing to make this deal happen.”
KAIZER CHIEFS OFFERED FIVE MILLION FOR VELEBAYI
“With Velebayi, there was just a back and forth; of course, Chiefs put in an offer, and the value was too low for Cape Town Spurs. Chiefs came back with a second offer, and in my opinion, the valuation was very fair with players on top and add-ons.
“Cape Town Spurs wanted 12 million for Velebayi, but it came down to 10 million. Chiefs were offering five million plus players, and the deal couldn’t go through.”
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