Kwanele Kopo makes admission about Polokwane City star Appollis

Former Chippa United coach Kwanele Kopo has made an admission about his former student, Oswin Appollis who plies his trade at Polokwane City FC. 

The 23-year-old’s career revival owes much to Kopo. After nearly two years clubless following his exit from SuperSport United, Appollis was offered a pathway back by the former South Africa Under-23 coach at Pretoria Callies in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

That single season at ‘The Romans’ proved to be a stepping stone for the Cape Town-born player, leading to a move to Rise and Shine in the Betway Premiership.

Appollis has gone on to become a key player for Bafana Bafana under the tutelage of Hugo Broos. He was part of the team that won the bronze medal at 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.

Kopo says he always knew Appollis would become prominent. However, he acknowledges being taken aback by the speed at which the tricky winger has risen to become a crucial player for the national team.

WHAT KOPO ACKNOWLEDGED ABOUT APPOLLIS

“I think playing in the Bafana team for me maybe has come before the time that I expected it would. But it’s an opportunity he’s grabbed with both hands. I’m very, very excited for him,” said Kopo during the interview with FARPost.

“And yes, as much as I helped him revive his career but I think also the kind of character that he has shown to come from two years of no football to Bafana Bafana within two years of coming back. So, I only wish him the best.

“I know that he had an opportunity to play outside the country [at the start of the season]. He had offers that unfortunately did not materialise. But he’s one that, in the time that I worked with him, I think we resurrected also his spirit not to give up.

“And he’s doing well at Polokwane City and also doing well for Bafana Bafana. We can only encourage that and many other talents that are out there.

“I think Oswin gives a lesson to players who might think that their careers have come to an end. Whether it’s by tragedy or disappointment to say that as long as there’s somebody that believes in you and you believe in yourself. It’s just a matter of opportunity.

“And I think he had that opportunity and he had somebody that believed in him and ignited again the candle of something he already had.”

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