Former University of Pretoria head coach Kwanele Kopo has revealed how he persuaded Orlando Pirates attacker Oswin Appollis to return to football after the player spent more than 18 months away from the game.

Appollis, now a key figure for both Pirates and Bafana Bafana, had faced a difficult period after being released by SuperSport United following changes in the club’s technical team. The decision left the talented youngster without a clear path forward, despite having represented South Africa at the Under-20 World Cup.

Kopo, who was involved in scouting Appollis from Cape Town-based Ajax for SuperSport’s academy, said the player had shown considerable promise and fitted the club’s vision of developing young talent. Appollis eventually earned promotion to the senior team, but a change in coaching staff and playing style saw him deemed surplus to requirements.

The two later reunited at Pretoria Callies after Kopo took up a coaching role at the club. By then, Appollis had lost his desire to continue playing and was back home in Cape Town.

Speaking on the Arena Sports Show with Mahlatse Mphahlele, Kopo explained that Appollis was the first player he thought of when he joined Callies. However, convincing him to return proved difficult.

“I called him and I said ‘Oswin, come and play’ and he told me flat he doesn’t want to play football, straight,” Kopo recalled.

Appollis reportedly told his former coach that he was finished with football. Kopo understood that disappointing experiences could leave players discouraged, but he believed the young attacker still had too much potential to walk away.

He spent weeks calling Appollis and eventually contacted his mother as he continued trying to convince him. Kopo then made a personal appeal, asking the player to give him one season to help him return to professional football.

He also made it clear that Pretoria Callies could not offer the kind of salary available in the Premier Soccer League, explaining that the immediate priority was rebuilding Appollis’ career rather than earning a substantial income.

The gamble has since paid off. Appollis went on to establish himself at a higher level and currently holds the 2026 Betway Premiership Midfielder of the Season award, having recorded nine goals and six assists last season.

His international performances have also attracted attention. In a recent 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, he provided three assists as Bafana Bafana defeated Eritrea 5-0.

Kopo’s account highlights the difficult period behind Appollis’ rise and the persistence that helped bring him back to the game.

Source: https://x.com/idiskitimes/status/2115473669954965578?s=46