Apollis Joins Bafana Bafana Fold: Swap Deal Confirmed, Saleng’s Chiefs Move Sealed
Oswin Apollis is embracing every moment of his maiden call-up to Bafana Bafana with determination and humility.
The 22-year-old winger from Bishop Lavis, Cape Town, has been one of the standout performers in South Africa’s local top-flight, guiding Paouanis City back to the elite division with impressive displays.
Apollis’s recent form—scoring three goals and assisting three in 14 matches across all competitions—earned him a deserved spot in the national squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda.
The fixtures, set for Durban and Butari respectively, represent a crucial test for the young attacker eager to prove himself on the international stage.
Reflecting on the moment he received the call-up, Apollis shared a heartfelt story.
“I was in Paouanis when a friend called to tell me I made the final 23-man squad,” he recounted.
“I immediately called my mother, and she was so excited she cried. It’s a very proud moment for me and my family.”
His mother’s tears of joy were a testament to the significance of this achievement, marking a leap from junior national teams to the senior ranks.
Despite the pressure of stepping into the senior national team, Apollis remains composed.
He credits the experienced players, such as Bradley Cross and Jaden Adams, for their guidance and encouragement.
“Sometimes you get nervous, but the seniors always tell us to stay calm and do our best,” he said.
“It’s been a great experience learning from people who have been in the game a long time.”
Apollis’s style of play—marked by speed, skill, and the ability to beat defenders—is exactly what Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos wants to leverage against tough opponents like Benin, known for their defensive tactics.
Broos praised Apollis’s qualities, saying, “He is quick, can eliminate players, and create chances. We need players like him for these matches.”
Paouanis City currently sits sixth on the league table, a respectable position that reflects Apollis’s contribution to the team’s resurgence.
Although they exited the Carling Knockout Cup in the quarterfinals, Apollis’s focus remains firmly on the national team’s qualifying campaign.
“I’m here to work hard and not get distracted,” Apollis said.
“Nothing comes easy, so I have to keep pushing.”
His confidence in the squad’s preparation is high.
“Training has been intense, and the boys are giving their all. We want to start this campaign with a win.”
While Apollis’s star rises, the long-running saga of Monnapule Saleng’s future has finally reached a turning point.
After months of speculation fueled by his absence from Orlando Pirates’ squad and rumored salary disputes, Saleng has been seen training again, and a swap deal with Kaizer Chiefs has been confirmed.
This development signals an end to the rumors that have kept fans and pundits guessing.
Saleng, a 27-year-old winger known for his pace and creativity, was last seen in action for Pirates on December 7th during a CAF Champions League match.
Since then, his silence on the pitch sparked concerns and discussions about his future.
The swap deal between Pirates and Chiefs is a strategic move for both clubs.
However, former Pirates midfielder Benedict Vilicazi expressed reservations about Saleng’s fit at Chiefs, comparing his situation to other players like Gaston Serero and Keagan Dolly, who struggled to adapt due to the lack of a strong core team around them.
Vilicazi remarked, “Saleng will face challenges similar to those experienced by Serero and others unless Chiefs can build a cohesive squad where players complement each other.”
He emphasized that success at Chiefs requires patience and hard work, warning that Saleng’s transition might not be seamless.
Despite these concerns, insiders suggest that Saleng still harbors a deep affection for Pirates and that negotiations are ongoing to find a resolution that benefits all parties.
Some reports even hint at the possibility of Saleng extending his contract with Pirates, adding complexity to the narrative.
For now, Saleng’s presence in training and the confirmed swap deal provide closure to months of uncertainty.
Fans eagerly await official announcements and hope that both Apollis and Saleng can thrive in their respective new chapters.
These intertwined stories highlight the dynamic nature of South African football, where young talents like Apollis rise to prominence, and seasoned stars like Saleng navigate career crossroads.
Both players embody the passion and challenges of professional football, inspiring supporters and shaping the future of the game in the region.
As the World Cup qualifiers approach and transfer windows remain open, the football community will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold.
Apollis’s debut on the international stage and Saleng’s potential impact at Chiefs promise exciting times ahead for South African soccer fans.
Stay tuned for further updates on these evolving stories and their implications for club and country.
