Orlando Pirates stay grounded as Oswin Appollis cautions against Gallant's threat in Carling Knockout final

Orlando Pirates midfielder Oswin Appollis revelaed the team’s focus remains firmly on their objective, stressing that they will not take Marumo Gallants lightly when they contest the Carling Knockout final at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

Fresh from lifting the MTN8 earlier this season, Pirates are eyeing a second piece of silverware as they look to recreate the type of dominance they last enjoyed during their treble-winning 2012/13 campaign. 

The team has demonstrated impressive consistency in recent months, showing measured dominance throughout their cup run. They secured their spot in the final with a hard-earned 1-0 win over Richards Bay FC in the semi-finals.

Although widely considered favourites, Pirates understand that cup finals carry their own unpredictability and pressure. Their earlier 2–1 league defeat to Gallants in the Betway Premiership serves as a timely reminder of that reality.

That result will undoubtedly serve as motivation for Alexandre Lafitte and his squad, who have shown steady improvement throughout the campaign. It also acts as a cautionary note for Pirates, emphasising that no cup final is ever easy, regardless of form or expectations.

Appollis has been one of the standout performers for the Buccaneers this season, offering creativity, energy, and an attacking spark since joining the club. His influence has grown with each match, and he expects a highly competitive encounter against Gallants.

“They are a good team; in the second game of the season they managed to beat us,” Appollis said, in the build-up to the final. 

“We never go into a game undermining a team because you never know what will happen on the day. They are a good team, and everyone wants to win a final, and it’s for us to put in the hard work and see what we get out of it.”

Appollis has become a key figure in Abdeslam Ouaddou’s squad, adapting well despite the constant tactical tweaks and rotations that the coach has had to implement. The midfielder believes that success comes from focusing on contribution rather than position.

“With the quality we have in our team, it does not matter if you are starting or coming off the bench. We are all good enough to start, but there are only 11 players who can start. 

“The mentality that the coach has created is using the word ‘impact’ instead of ‘substitutions,’ and it has been working with most of the goals coming from the bench.

“It doesn’t matter where I play really; if the coach and the technical team decide I must play right or left wing, I will never complain because it’s all about using your mind and your brain to find space to get better. I do not really care where I play as long as I am effective.”

Appollis also credited his teammates for the progress he has made since joining the club, highlighting the strong sense of unity within the squad.

“There has been a lot of improvement, but it is also about the players around you. We are a very special group and we have come to understand each other, and as you can see in the group, everyone has improved — not just me.”