Polokwane City coach Phuti Mohafe has firmly dismissed rumours linking star players Oswin Appollis and Thabang Matuludi to major clubs, particularly Orlando Pirates. Despite widespread speculation suggesting that Pirates were leading the race to sign the duo during the January transfer window, Mohafe remains resolute in his stance.
Coach Mohafe Addresses the Rumours
Following a 1-1 draw against Sekhukhune United at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, where both Appollis and Matuludi featured prominently, Mohafe addressed the transfer rumours. He stated, “This issue of our players being linked with other people, let it be their own agenda. I think we shouldn’t be engaging with it any more because it’s just rumours that are flying around and I’d rather not comment further about this.” He further emphasised, “But, as you can see, the players [Appollis and Matuludi] are here [with the team], so that tells you something else. Let the headlines fly but the players know what’s at stake for them.”
Reports Link Duo to Kaizer Chiefs
Adding to the intrigue, there have been reports linking the duo to Kaizer Chiefs, further fuelling the transfer speculation. Despite these rumours, Mohafe remains steadfast, choosing not to engage with the ongoing speculation.
Appollis’s Past Transfer Interest
Appollis, a seasoned Bafana Bafana international, has been a standout performer for both his national team and Polokwane City. His impressive performances in the latter half of the previous year have attracted attention from various clubs. Earlier in the season, he was reportedly on the verge of joining Algerian giants MC Alger. His agent, Lance Davids, mentioned that Polokwane City owner Johnny Mogaladi had accepted an offer from MC Alger but later became unresponsive. Davids also noted that Mogaladi insisted on a transfer fee to be paid in a single instalment, a condition that “Chiefs didn’t have that capacity” to meet.
Players Remain Focused on Polokwane City
Despite the persistent rumours, both Appollis and Matuludi continue to feature prominently for Polokwane City, with their commitment to the team evident in their recent performances. Coach Mohafe’s decision to address the speculation head-on underscores his focus on the team’s objectives and his desire to shield his players from external distractions.
Conclusion: Uncertain Future, but Current Commitment
As the transfer window progresses, the future of Appollis and Matuludi remains uncertain. However, their current involvement with Polokwane City suggests that any potential moves are not imminent. For now, both players appear committed to their roles within the team, with the club’s management prioritising the team’s success over individual transfer pursuits.
In conclusion, while the transfer rumours continue to swirl, Polokwane City remains resolute in its stance, with both Appollis and Matuludi continuing to contribute significantly to the team’s efforts in the current season.
Related article: Is Oswin Appollis Set for a Big Move to Orlando Pirates?
