Oswin Appollis dazzles, torments former employers Polokwane City and sends defending champions Orlando Pirates into MTN8 semi-finals

After threatening to break his former club Polokwane City from the first whistle, Oswin Appollis fulfilled the promise 13 minutes into the contest when he cooly curled into the back of the net a Boitumelo Radiopane feed. 

It was the 23-year-old's first goal for Orlando Pirates and it came on his official club debut. 

The Bafana winger continued to torment his former teammates and this time forced Ayabonga Gwangqa to foul him from inside the box.

That earned the Buccaneers a penalty, which was converted by Patrick Maswanganyi on 35 minutes to place the hosts firmly in the driving seat.

Pirates almost tripled their lead in the 65th minute, but Deon Hotto's free-kick crashed against the woodwork. 

After the 2-0 victory, Abdeslam Ouaddou's side advanced to the MTN8 semi-finals, bidding to win this tournament for the fourth consecutive season.

It was a dream debut for Appollis, who immediately made himself a darling of Pirates fans with a splendid performance in the 60 minutes he was on the pitch before being substituted for Tshepang Moremi. 

A goal and winning a penalty for the Buccaneers made him the most influential figure of the afternoon.  

Polokwane City coach Phuti Mohafe will be hoping Saturday's defeat will not demoralise his men going into the new Premier Soccer League campaign.  

After making themselves one of the PSL's top eight teams last season, Rise and Shine began this term on the back foot. 

The early exit from the MTN8 leaves them having to end the 2025/26 term in the top half again and wait for next season to win this tournament for the first time ever.  

While Pirates have one eye on the MTN8 semi-finals, they are also focusing on the start of the 2025/26 PSL season. 

Buoyed by Saturday's victory, they host Sekhukhune United next Saturday while Polokwane City face Magesi FC at home in a Limpopo Derby.