Exclusive: Kwanele Kopo Shares How he Contributed to Reviving Bafana Bafana's Oswin Appollis' Career 

Chippa United head coach, Kwanele Kopo has shared insight into the process of resurrecting confidence in Oswin Appollis, a now shining star for both Bafana Bafana and Polokwane City.

The 23-year-old rising star came close to giving up on his football career following his unfortunate release by SuperSport United at the end 2020/21 season.

This came after he was deemed surplus to requirements by Matsatsantsa and subsequently loaned to NFD's University of Pretoria FC from February to June 2021.

After spending a span of at least 13 months at home in Cape Town, Kopo, who was then with Pretoria Callies, reached out to offer Appollis the chance to rejuvenate his career with the Pretoria-based team.

And as they say, the rest is history, Appollis is now in the books of Betway Premiership side Polokwane City. He joined the Limpopo side following an impressive 2022/23 season with Callies. 

HOW KOPO REVIVED APPOLLIS' CAREER?

Kopo has emphasized that his previous collaboration with Appollis at SuperSport United's development side has facilitated a smoother process for both sides at Callies.

"Bringing his confidence was made easier by the fact that I had worked with him at SuperSport United before. There was a mutual respect and trust between us," Kopo shared with SportsBoom.com. 

"When I called Oswin to come join me at Pretoria Callies, I sold him a vision of what I believed he could achieve if he allowed me to help him. I sold him the vision of a return to Premiership football and a return to the national team. When he came to the club we set out a plan to work towards those goals every day," said the experienced coach. 

"Oswin has grown to be very strong mentally. When he joined me at Callies I also advised him to be patient with his progression and just focus on working hard and improving his game. I advised him that things would fall into place at the right time."

"I also have to compliment him for his commitment and the desire to revive his career, without those he would never be where he is now. I am also grateful to Oswin for trusting me with reviving his career, I always believed he was one of the best and top talents in South Africa." 

IS THERE ANY CHANCE OF RECOGNITION FROM EUROPE?

Appollis' standout displays for Rise and Shine captured the attention of Hugo Broos a couple of months after he signed with the Limpopo-based club.

The player who came up through the Cape Town Spurs youth program made his first appearance for the Bafana team during their 2-0 loss to Rwanda in November of last year.

His captivating performances caught the attention of Premier Soccer League giants Kaizer Chiefs, Espérance Sportive de Tunis from Tunisia, and MC Alger from Algeria during the recent transfer window.

Furthermore, reports were suggesting that a couple of European teams were interested in securing his signature.

Kopo, who worked at SuperSport United for over two decades, firmly believes that Appollis will be greatly recognized in the future for his unwavering commitment.

"There were reports about interest in him last season from North Africa, which tells you that the possibilities of moving even overseas are there,'' the former South Africa Under-23 assistant coach confidently said.

''For a player of Oswin's caliber, it will not be a surprise to see him playing in Europe soon. I think him being a regular Bafana Bafana player now, and with him and the team doing well, the chances are there for him."

"He just needs to keep working and continue to be an effective player, creating and scoring goals for the national team and Polokwane City, that is where his value is at."

KOPO'S WORDS OF ADVICE TO APPOLLIS 

"As much as he may be disappointed with what happened during the last transfer window, he is focused on improving his career. Oswin has developed a strong quality of appreciation,'' he said.

"He has been up and down in his career before, and since revival at Callies, he appreciates the opportunity he is being given."

"Mine is to reaffirm to him to keep working, to accept things as they are, and to continue to believe that at the right time, he will be rewarded with what he needs and deserves." 

Appollis will be looking to enhance his performance and is hoping for a transfer to a more promising opportunity in the upcoming January transfer window. With his skill level, he is sure to attract interest from potential suitors.