Orlando Pirates’ Big Win Takes a Worrying Turn Ahead of Champions League Match
- Orlando Pirates are waiting for a medical assessment after a worrying moment involving one of their key attacking players
- Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained why he refused to take further risks with Oswin Appollis against TS Galaxy
- The Buccaneers face a demanding run of fixtures, with continental football and the Soweto derby approaching
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Orlando Pirates are awaiting clarity on Oswin Appollis' fitness after the winger was stretchered off during their 3-0 Betway Premiership win over TS Galaxy on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou hopes the injury scare is down to fatigue, but the club's upcoming fixtures make the assessment particularly important.
Appollis started the match at Orlando Amstel Arena after coming off the bench in Pirates' 2-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final on Saturday, 10 October. He made an immediate contribution by assisting Boitumelo Radiopane's opening goal before his evening ended prematurely.
What Abdeslam Ouaddou said about Appollis
At his post-match press conference, Ouaddou admitted he was concerned about losing one of his key players.
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"It seems to be fatigue, I hope. I hope, really, because he's one of our best players. (He's an) important player in the group," the Pirates coach said, according to IOL.
Ouaddou explained that the decision to withdraw Appollis followed discussions with the player and the medical department.
"When I spoke with him and with the medical department, we just decided not to take a risk, and we will assess him, and we'll see," he added.
The coach said he expected to have more information after further assessment. However, no confirmed diagnosis or return date has been supplied.
Champions League clash and Soweto derby increase pressure
Pirates' immediate concern is their CAF Champions League assignment against Namibian side African Stars on Saturday, 17 October.
The Buccaneers must also prepare for their Betway Premiership Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, 31 October.
Appollis' availability could therefore become an important consideration as Ouaddou manages his squad across domestic and continental competitions. The winger's regular involvement for Pirates and Bafana Bafana also makes his fitness a significant talking point.
For now, the club must wait for the medical assessment before determining the extent of Appollis' problem. Ouaddou's comments indicate that avoiding further risk was the priority when the winger was taken off.
Pirates' supporters will be watching for an update ahead of Saturday's continental encounter. Until the club provides confirmation, it remains unclear whether Appollis will be available.
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Matthew Booth challenges SuperSport presenters over Pirates bias claims
Briefly News also reported that former Bafana Bafana defender Matthew Booth challenged SuperSport presenters Thomas Mlambo and Phumudzo Manenzhe over alleged favouritism towards Orlando Pirates during an episode of Extra Time TV.
The exchange sparked debate among South African football supporters about impartiality in football broadcasting, with viewers questioning how different clubs are represented on television.
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Source: Briefly News
