Polokwane City winger Oswin Appollis, linked with a move to Kaizer Chiefs, almost disappeared from the professional ranks two years ago, before he was rescued by current Chippa United head coach Kwanele Kopo.
Appollis started his youth career at Cape Town Spurs academy, but before he could be promoted, he surfaced at SuperSport United, where he starred for their DStv Diski Challenge team and was eventually promoted ahead of 2019/20.
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However, after making only five appearances across two seasons in the league, they sent him out on loan to University of Pretoria ahead of the following campaign.
The 23-year-old finally got enough minutes in the pro ranks, after making 12 appearances and scoring two goals for Tuks and was recalled by United.
His return, however, turned sour, as he could not get any minutes on the pitch for two full seasons before Kopo, who was appointed head coach at Pretoria Callies from Matsatsantsa, came calling while he was sitting at home, ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Kopo says he's proud of the strides made by Appollis, who was signed by Polokwane City after an impressive season at The Romans, where he scored six goals in 28 appearances.
"As you ask me that question [are you proud?], I get goosebumps. Oswin was released by SuperSport United, he [was] at home for two years. When I was the head coach of Pretoria Callies I went after him," Kopo said on Metro FM Sports.
"And I said to him, he will make the national team and I'm really excited to see where he is. I speak to him on a weekly basis. I think there's more the boy is gonna achieve."
After the player's proposed move to MC Alger did not materialise, before the Algerian transfer window closed on Tuesday, he has now been linked with a move to Amakhosi, although Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have also previously shown interest.
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"I'm very happy for Oswin, I wish him all the best going forward and I hope he can get his dream move. I think myself and him know what that is," Kopo added.
The PSL transfer window closes next Friday.