Orlando Pirates midfielder Oswin Appollis showed true class after their Carling Knockout Cup win on Saturday, announcing he will share his R100,000 Man of the Match prize with captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who scored the stunning winning goal against Siwelele FC.
The Buccaneers were locked in a tough battle against the Lehlohonolo Seema-coached side at Orlando Stadium in Soweto. Just when the game looked headed for extra time, Mbokazi delivered a spectacular 87th-minute goal to snatch the 1-0 win.
The victory saw Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side become the second team to secure a quarter-final spot in this year’s Carling Knockout, following Durban City FC’s 4-1 extra-time win over Polokwane City FC in the tournament opener.
In the game against Siwelel FC, Appollis was voted Man of the Match by the fans, pocketing the R100,000 prize money despite being replaced by Sipho Mbule in the 80th minute.
‘I WILL SHARE IT WITH MBOKAZI’: OSWIN APPOLLIS
Following the final whistle, a remarkably humble Appollis disclosed his plan to split the windfall with his captain. The midfielder explained that while he was grateful for the fan vote, he believed the R100,000 truly belonged to Mbokazi, arguing that the 20-year-old’s sheer effort and crucial 87th-minute winner were the decisive factors in securing their passage to the next round of the cup competition.
“Yes, we had to fight today, you know. It wasn’t easy. What a brilliant goal from Mbokazi. To be honest, I didn’t deserve it more than he did because he was fighting and defending. I’m definitely going to cut my share because what a goal! I will share it with him,” Appollis told SuperSport TV.
“It was difficult today, but we knew that we would get a chance. Like I said, what an amazing goal! Congratulations to the boys and the whole team for their hard work today. We are happy that we came out victorious.
“The coach told us about not getting further in this cup, but I believe that with the players we have, we can go further in this competition.”
As things stand, the Happy People will have to wait to see who they will be facing in the quarter-finals of the Carling Knockout Cup when the Last 16 games conclude on Sunday evening.
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