Orlando Pirates surge ahead in race for Polokwane City’s Appollis
Orlando Pirates are intensifying their efforts to secure the signature of Polokwane City’s star midfielder Oswin Appollis, aiming to outmaneuver rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs in a heated transfer battle.
The 23-year-old Bafana Bafana international has emerged as one of the Betway Premiership’s brightest talents, drawing interest from South Africa’s footballing giants and even North African clubs like Esperance and MC Alger.
With the January transfer window closed and no deal finalized, speculation is rife that Pirates are positioning themselves to clinch Appollis before the next window opens, potentially in July 2025.
Sources close to the negotiations reveal that Pirates have been in advanced talks with Polokwane, leveraging their strong relationship with the Limpopo club. A proposed deal includes midfielder Philip Ndlondlo as a makeweight to offset Polokwane’s valuation, estimated at R15 million for Appollis and teammate Thabang Matuludi combined.
This follows a failed attempt to include winger Katlego Otladisa, who has since joined Sekhukhune United on loan. “Pirates are pulling out all the stops,” a source told Soccer Laduma. “The Ndlondlo inclusion changes the dynamics, and a deal could be close.”