Bafana Bafana attacker Oswin Appollis has spoken out on failing to move from Polokwane City during the recent transfer window and what the future might hold after a brilliant AFCON qualifying campaign.
Appollis had a sensational season with the Limpopo-based outfit last term, contributing seven goals and five assists in 31 appearances across all competitions.
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Unsurprisingly, he then drew the attention of clubs both locally and abroad.
Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, and North Africa sides Esperance Sportive de Tunis and MC Alger were mentioned as the interested suitors.
It was Algeria giants MC Alger that took the first steps towards clinching his signature, but they failed to reach an agreement with the Polokwane City management.
Esperance, meanwhile, saw their bids ignored and eventually turned their focus to Sekhukhune United's Elias Mokwana.
Both Chiefs and Sundowns made late attempts to sign the 22-year-old, but Rise and Shine managed to hold on tight to their talisman, who, by then, still had two years left on his contract with the club.
Speaking to media at a recent Bafana media interaction event, the pint-sized winger admitted it had been a challenging period.
"It was very difficult, but at the end of the day, if I don't perform, I wouldn't be called to the national team," said Appollis.
"So, I had one thing in my mind: to continue working and being in the national team because if I didn't work or score, I wouldn't be here.
"I've been thinking lately [about the future]. Everyone's goal is to go to Europe one day and hopefully I'll get my opportunity one day."
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He is yet to make a single goal contribution at club level so far this season, but has been in flying form for the national team.
The diminutive winger started all six of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers and contributed two goals and four assists, including a Man-of-the-Match performance against South Sudan.