Orlando Pirates look to end busy year on a high ... with or without Appollis and Co

Orlando Pirates will have one more stop before they conclude what has been a busy year, when they play the Carling Black Label Cup against an All-Star Team on Saturday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Following their triumph in the Carling Knockout final against Marumo Gallants (1-0) after extra-time, the Buccaneers have secured their place in the 'Beer Cup' this coming weekend.

In his first season with the Buccaneers, Oswin Appollis has played a major role in the team’s success, delivering key performances that have made him an important figure as they continue their push to become the top side in the country.

This weekend’s match will give Pirates another opportunity to reinforce their dominance against a team selected by fans through a voting system.

While it’s uncertain if he, along with his other teammates, will be with the side — given that coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said after the clash against Gallants that he will prioritise the national team — Appollis expressed his satisfaction with what Pirates have achieved so far.

“We have been working hard towards this goal, and we have shown it in the league and with the trophies that we are working towards winning," Appollis said, referencing both the MTN8 and Carling KO championships this season.

"Again we showed in the Carling Knockout final; the boys fought, and we managed to come away with another trophy."

The 24-year-old did not have his best outing on the night, but he added that teamwork and the players pushing each other made the difference, which has been one of their strongest qualities.

With less than two weeks before the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off, the former Polokwane City midfielder hopes the nine Pirates players selected for Bafana Bafana, who entered camp on Monday, will be well prepared for the tournament.

“We still have quite some training to do, but we will go with this form along with the rest of my teammates and work hard to prepare well for AFCON.”

Saturday's triumph was bittersweet, as it also marked a significant moment for the Buccaneers: saying farewell to Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who is heading to Major League Soccer and had been an excellent discovery since his promotion from the youth ranks.

With Mbokazi leaving a notable gap in the squad, Appollis believes Chicago Fire have secured a valuable addition and says the move has motivated the rest of the team to continue working hard.

“As young as he is, he is a grown man, technically, and in terms of defending, he has everything, and he will do well for Chicago (Fire). It took him a year or nine months for him to get a move, and it's motivation for other players; he deserves it.”

A nine-year-old when South Africa began their 2010 World Cup campaign against Mexico, Appollis is now set to play an equally important role for Bafana Bafana as he has for Pirates. With memories of that match 15 years ago still vivid, he believes the national team will face a challenging group at the tournament, but the focus is firmly on the upcoming AFCON.

“I watched the game (against Mexico). It will be a tough group, and it will not be easy, but that will be for next year, the focus now is on AFCON.

"As Orlando Pirates, we will go in with the same mentality of wanting to win. We know it's not going to be easy, but we will put in the work.”

Independent Media sought clarification on Monday from Pirates on Monday regarding the eligibility of their players for the All-Star game in Durban this weekend, but at the time of publication, no new information has been received.