Lebohang Mokoena Narrates How He Begged Orlando Pirates to Sign Oswin Appollis
- Lebohang ‘Cheeseboy’ Mokoena has narrated how he convinced Orlando Pirates to sign Oswin Appollis from Polokwane City in the summer
- The Bafana Bafana star is rated as one of the best players for the Soweto giants so far this campaign
- The former Mamelodi Sundowns star also highlighted the qualities of the ex-Polokwane City forward possesses
Former Orlando Pirates star Lebohang ‘Cheeseboy’ Mokoena has opened up about the extraordinary measures he took to persuade the club’s technical team to bring Bafana Bafana midfielder Oswin Appollis on board.
Source: Instagram
Appollis joined the Buccaneers from Polokwane City in the summer and quickly emerged as one of the best players for the Soweto giants this season. Pirates supporters have witnessed his talent firsthand. In 19 appearances, he has already contributed three goals and five assists, but his impact goes far beyond statistics.
He scored the equaliser against Saint Eloi Lupopo in the CAF Champions League preliminary stage before the team lost on penalties.
Known for his composure, sharp vision, and uncanny ability to thread passes through the tightest spaces, Appollis has rapidly become a key creative force for the Buccaneers. His acquisition ahead of the 2025/26 season was a statement of intent for Pirates.
The South African international had drawn attention from top domestic rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, as well as Tunisian powerhouse Esperance, according to his agent Lance Davids. Yet it was Abdeslam Ouaddou's Pirates who ultimately secured his signature, and as Mokoena shared, it took a little extra persuasion behind the scenes to make it happen.
Mokoena on begging Pirates to sign Appollis
Mokoena opened up that he personally lobbied for Orlando Pirates to sign Oswin Appollis, believing the 24-year-old’s style was perfectly suited to the Black-and-White jersey. He admitted that he had anticipated Appollis would be a perfect fit for the club, even amid interest from rivals like Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Convinced of the player’s dynamic qualities, Mokoena contacted and urged the Pirates' technical team to secure his signing.
Since joining the club, Appollis has adapted seamlessly. While he initially played out wide and took a couple of games to find his rhythm, he has now become a vital part of the squad.
Source: Getty Images
Mokoena described him as the club’s best signing, highlighting his versatility across multiple positions, including left, right, and attacking midfield, and praised his consistent performances week in, week out.
Bafanas Godrich Wasemzini said:
"Ain't any job you can offer our lovely legend Cheeseboy at Pirates? He should join his former teammate Dukuduku at the development structures."
Ledwaba La Swindjana wrote:
"He should do that for Mamelodi Sundowns also."
Corry Rascco shared:
"Shanya leshi!! He just wants to sound relevant. Pirates always wanted him anyway; it was not his influence. Also, at Pirates it’s notthe technical team’s final decision to sign a player. This one of laba poso from pirates, really wants to be recognised.. It won’t happen.. he said, things about the team when he went to Sundowns cause he thought he was big."
Senawana Mokoena reacted:
"Danko Cheese boy once and always."
Mzwakhe Dube added:
"Tell him we don't care."
Riveiro predicts Carling Knocout Cup winner
Briefly News also reported that former Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has predicted the team that would win the Carling Knockout Cup this season.
The competition's final would be between Riveiro's former team, Orlando Pirates, and Marumo Gallants.
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Source: Briefly News
