Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Cole Alexander has explained why Orlando Pirates star Oswin Appollis reminds him of legends like Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Jabulani Maluleke, clarifying that his comparison is not based on playing style.
The former Cape Town Spurs, Polokwane City FC, Bidvest Wits and Chiefs midfielder, Alexander, offered insightful takes on what separates footballers who thrive under pressure at big clubs from those who fail to elevate, especially when expectations rise quickly.
Directing his focus on mental strength in football, Alexander believes the difference is often not technical ability, but how players respond to mistakes, pressure, and constant scrutiny from fans and the media.
COLE ALEXANDER: ‘I DID NOT THINK ORLANDO PIRATES WAS THE RIGHT CLUB FOR OSWIN APPOLLIS’
Alexander believes Pirates attacker and former Polokwane teammate Appollis has been a standout example of a player who has managed to rise above those pressures and quickly establish himself as one of the top performers in the country.
According to Alexander, what makes Appollis special is not just what he does on the pitch, but the mindset he carries every time he steps into a high-pressure environment.
“I look at Appollis, and honestly, I did not believe Orlando Pirates are the right team for him,” Alexandra told FARPost. “Then he surprised many people; he became one of the best players in South Africa right now.
“It comes down to his mentality. With a lot of things, the most important element is the mind. Appollis reminds of players like Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Jabulani Maluleke. Not how they play but on how they think,” he added.
THE LEGENDS WERE NEVER AFFECTED BY MISTAKES
“They did not care about messing up and about mistakes or what someone else thinks. Those players always knew how to bounce back after a mistake. They knew what to do next; they always remained brave and confident after mistakes.
“Honestly, this is the fear that affected me at Chiefs. I was afraid of messing up with mistakes sometimes. The big crowd, I feared the worst in how they might turn against me.
“Oswin didn’t struggle with that. The fears are what affect many talented players who come into a big club. That is just my opinion,” Alexander concluded.
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