Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has given a positive but cautious update on winger Oswin Appollis, saying he will not rush the player back into action despite encouraging signs in training.

Appollis picked up an injury during Pirates' 3-0 Betway Premiership win over TS Galaxy, where he also set up a goal. He missed the first leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round against African Stars in Botswana last weekend. The Buccaneers still managed a 2-0 win away from home without him.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday at the Orlando Amstel Arena, Ouaddou confirmed that Appollis is back with the group and showing good progress. "I'm happy that he's coming back in training. The target today was to assess him, to see what he's able to do. We start with the warm-up, to see if he can sprint. So, it's good news. It's good news that I spoke with him at the end of training. He told me that he doesn't feel any more pain," the coach said.

Even with the good news, Ouaddou made it clear that he will not take unnecessary risks with the 25-year-old. He described his key players as Ferraris that need careful handling. "I told them, they are all Ferraris. It means Ferraris, you have to take care of the engine very well, and I don't want to take a risk with one of the important players. So, we have many games, important games. So, we have to be careful not to burn the stages."

Ouaddou stressed that Appollis remains a very important player for the team. The winger has been a regular in the attack and has already shown his value this season with goals and assists. Rushing him back too soon could create bigger problems later in a busy period that includes domestic and continental fixtures.

Pirates host African Stars in the return leg at Orlando Stadium on Friday night, with kick-off at 20:00. The coach will decide closer to the match whether Appollis is ready to be involved or if he needs more time to recover fully. For now, the priority is protecting the player so he can be available for the important games still to come.

The Buccaneers know they have enough quality in the squad to cope without him if needed, but having Appollis fully fit would be a big boost as they push for success on two fronts. Ouaddou's careful approach shows he is thinking about the bigger picture rather than just one match.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2113295617766174857