Bafana Bafana arrived back in Johannesburg on Thursday morning following their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, but there was one notable absentee from the travelling squad.
While the rest of Hugo Broos’ players returned home, Orlando Pirates winger Oswin Appollis was nowhere to be seen, sparking fresh speculation over his future just days after teammate Relebohile Mofokeng sealed his move to Belgium.
The absence comes at a time when Appollis continues to attract strong interest from clubs outside South Africa, with the 24-year-old widely expected to test himself overseas sooner rather than later.
ANOTHER ORLANDO PIRATES STAR SET FOR EUROPE?
The timing of Appollis’ absence has naturally raised eyebrows.
Only this week, Mofokeng skipped the team’s flight home after travelling directly to Belgium to complete his transfer to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, becoming the latest Orlando Pirates academy graduate to secure a move abroad.
Now attention has shifted to Appollis, who has enjoyed a sensational first season in black and white.
The exciting winger finished the campaign with 12 goals and 9 assists across all competitions, playing a key role as Orlando Pirates lifted the Betway Premiership title.
INTEREST HAS BEEN BUILDING
A move abroad would not come as a surprise.
Last season, Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire submitted an official offer for Appollis, but Orlando Pirates rejected the approach as they looked to keep one of their biggest attacking weapons.
Since then, the winger’s stock has only continued to rise following another outstanding campaign for both club and country.
Although there has been no official confirmation regarding the reason behind his absence from the returning Bafana Bafana squad, it has inevitably fuelled speculation that another overseas transfer could soon be on the cards.
If Appollis does complete a move abroad, it would continue Orlando Pirates’ growing trend of exporting some of the country’s brightest young talent to international football.
