Thuso Phala Weighs In On Whether Oswin Appollis Would Have Fit In At Kaizer Chiefs

With Oswin Appollis’ game time at Orlando Pirates fluctuating, former Kaizer Chiefs winger Thuso Phala has shared his perspective on whether the Bafana Bafana midfielder would have thrived at Amakhosi instead.

Appollis, who joined Pirates from Polokwane City, has been in and out of Abdeslam Ouaddou’s starting lineup as the coach balances his attacking options. The 24-year-old excels on the left flank, a position long held by Relebohile Mofokeng. This overlap has created a tactical dilemma for Ouaddou, forcing him to rotate both players to maintain balance.

In recent weeks, the Pirates coach has preferred to start Mofokeng while introducing Appollis from the bench, often using his pace and creativity against tired defenses. The approach has helped Mofokeng rediscover his rhythm after an inconsistent start to the season, though his recent injury in the Carling Knockout clash against Siwelele FC has raised concerns.

Phala, speaking on the Omniaudioafrica YouTube Channel, said Chiefs missed an opportunity to sign a top-quality winger in Appollis but admitted that the move to Pirates may have been better for the player’s growth.

“Personally, I would have loved to see him at Chiefs,” Phala said. “But at Pirates, with the players they have, they complement him better. At Chiefs, the pressure was going to be on him to deliver results every week.”

Phala added that playing for Chiefs would have come with heavier expectations. “At Pirates, he doesn’t have that much pressure. At Chiefs, he would have been a guaranteed starter, but that also means the responsibility to carry the team. He’s a national team player and deserves to start, but the pressure there is different.”

The former winger also criticized the financial dynamics that often make it harder for Chiefs to sign local stars. “Sometimes when Chiefs show interest in a player, the asking price triples. People say Chiefs don’t want to buy, but the reality is that clubs demand more when Chiefs come knocking,” Phala said.

Appollis’ decision to join Pirates has given him exposure to continental football and a competitive squad environment that could enhance his technical and tactical abilities. For Chiefs, the missed opportunity highlights ongoing challenges in securing top domestic talent amid inflated market valuations.

Meanwhile, newly cleared signing Asanele Velebayi is expected to add more depth on the wings for Pirates. The young winger’s eligibility was delayed due to legal disputes over his free-agent status, but he is now available for selection and could compete directly with Appollis and Mofokeng for minutes.

Pirates will continue to face selection challenges on the flanks, but Ouaddou’s rotation policy ensures competition remains high. For Appollis, consistent performances off the bench may soon earn him a regular starting place as he looks to solidify his role in both club and national team setups.