Attacker Oswin Appollis has opened up on his Man-of-the-Match performance against South Sudan and revealed a message from head coach Hugo Broos as Bafana Bafana finished their AFCON qualifying campaign in style.
Appollis and Co. wrapped up their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers campaign with a convincing 3-0 win over South Sudan at a sold-out and buzzing DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
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Iqraam Rayners, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Teboho Mokoena did all the damage in front of goal against the hapless visitors.
However, it was Appollis who was the star of the show, orchestrating proceedings from the left wing and creating multiple scoring chances - including the assist for Rayners' goal.
Speaking to SABC Sport after the match, the 22-year-old revealed that the head had insisted that his side go for the kill, despite having already qualified.
"I just to congratulate the boys today, I think they gave it their all and I am happy for the result.
"When we saw we qualified for the AFCON [before the Uganda match], the coach told us that even so, we needed to go out and get the results in these two matches, and we did it," said Appollis.
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The opening goal from Rayners was such a thing of beauty ?? ???? pic.twitter.com/hr9Q7IoShM
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) November 19, 2024
While Broos introduced Devin Titus, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Sage Stephens late in the match, he started with his usual starting XI, showing no signs of taking it easy on the opposition.
"No, I was not surprised because he wanted to win and he has a winning mentality. There are no such games as friendlies or so, he wants us to win all the games we play.
"I have to give credit to coach Hugo for looking at me and giving me an opportunity and for that I will always be proud, and I just want to thank the boys for today. Everyone fought.
"The players from the bench played a big part in coming in and happy for the result," added the Polokwane City talisman.
Appollis will now turn his attention back to club football, where Rise and Shine take on Cape Town City next Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Bafana only return to competitive action in March 2025 for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.