CONTINENTAL
Smiso Msomi|Published
Orlando Pirates may be edging closer to welcoming Oswin Appollis back, but head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is unwilling to gamble with the winger’s fitness as the Buccaneers prepare for a crucial run of matches.
Appollis has resumed training ahead of Pirates’ CAF Champions League second-leg meeting with African Stars, giving the coaching staff an encouraging indication of his progress.
The key test, however, is whether he can return to full intensity without discomfort. Ouaddou revealed that the training session allowed the club to assess his ability to sprint, with the player reporting that he felt no pain.
“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 said.
That positive feedback has not changed the coach’s cautious stance. Rather than focus solely on when Appollis can return, Ouaddou is weighing the potential cost of bringing him back before he is fully ready.
He used an unusual comparison to explain his thinking, describing his players as Ferraris whose engines need careful maintenance.
“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…”
The message is clear: Pirates want Appollis available, but not at the expense of his longer-term fitness.
The timing is significant, with the Soweto Derby looming and a Carling Knockout Cup clash against Milford also on the schedule next week.
Those fixtures add to the importance of managing the squad carefully rather than rushing players back for a single match.
Appollis’ return to training is a step in the right direction, but it does not guarantee he will feature against African Stars. Pirates will have to decide whether the winger is ready to contribute or whether patience is the wiser option.
For Ouaddou, the aim is to have his key players fit for the challenges ahead, not simply available for the next kick-off.