Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has delivered encouraging news about Oswin Appollis after the winger returned to training, but the Buccaneers are unwilling to rush him back into competitive action.

Appollis has been recovering from an injury sustained during Pirates’ 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy. The attacker was forced off after assisting Boitumelo Radiopane’s opening goal, raising concerns about his availability for the club’s upcoming fixtures.

His return to training is a positive development for Pirates, with Ouaddou confirming that the session allowed the technical team to assess whether the winger could perform important movements, including sprinting, without experiencing discomfort.

“I’m happy that he was in training, the target was to see what he can do, in the warm-up to see if he can sprint, it’s good news, he said he doesn’t feel pain,” Ouaddou told the media.

Despite the encouraging signs, the Pirates coach has stressed that Appollis remains an important member of the squad and that his recovery must be handled carefully. With several demanding matches approaching, the club does not want to risk aggravating the injury by bringing him back too soon.

“But you must understand Oswin is an important player of the team, they are all Ferraris, we need to take care of the engines very well. I don’t want to risk any players ahead of these important games, or burn anything,” Ouaddou added.

The Ferrari comparison reflects the coach’s belief that valuable players need proper care and maintenance to perform consistently throughout a demanding season.

Appollis has become an important attacking option for the Buccaneers, offering pace, creativity and the ability to trouble opposing defences. His availability could provide a boost as Pirates balance their domestic commitments with their CAF Champions League campaign.

However, returning to training does not automatically mean he is ready for match action. The technical and medical teams will need to assess his fitness before making a final decision.

For now, Pirates are prioritising Appollis’ long-term fitness over a rushed comeback, hoping he can return fully prepared for the challenges ahead.

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