Orlando Pirates’ Oswin Appollis wants to share his R100k award with Mbekezeli Mbokazi
Orlando Pirates’ Oswin Appollis (pictured right) plans to share his R100,000 Man-of-the-Match award with teammate Mbekezeli Mbokazi after Mbokazi’s decisive goal in their Carling Knockout victory against Siwelele, as Pirates aim to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominance in the Betway Premiership. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
If you won a R100,000 performance bonus, what are the chances you would share that with your co-worker? Well, that’s exactly what Oswin Appollis has vowed to do with his Orlando Pirates teammate Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
Appollis put in a good shift during his side’s Carling Knockout match against Siwelele over the weekend, but it was Mbokazi who scored the winner in the 87th minute as Pirates ran out 1-0 victors.
It was a match in which Pirates were the dominant force with a whopping 69% of the ball and also had more than double the number of shots at goal than their opponents.
After the match, Appollis was interviewed as Man-of-the-Match, which meant he will also receive a cheque for R100,000.
Appollis Praises Mbokazi After Stunning Goal and Promises to Share Man-of-the-Match Award
“Yes, we had to fight today, you know. It wasn’t easy,” Appollis said.
"What a brilliant goal from Mbokazi. To be honest, I didn’t deserve it [Man-of-the-Match Award] more than he did because he was fighting and defending.
"I’m definitely going to cut my share because what a goal! I will share it with him.”
Pirates, of course, are also desperately hoping to usurp Mamelodi Sundowns’ throne in the Betway Premiership. Sundowns have won the last eight league titles in a row, while Pirates have finished second behind the champions the last three seasons.
Though the third-placed Pirates are six points behind the table-topping Sundowns, the Soweto Giants have three games in hand. While Sekhukhune United are currently in second spot, it’s difficult to see anyone but Pirates as the only real challenger to Sundowns.