Former Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Farouk Khan has backed Pitso Mosimane’s tactical plan for Oswin Appollis, insisting the Orlando Pirates winger will not be disadvantaged by the coach’s approach.
Following Bafana Bafana’s 2-1 victory over Guinea on Saturday, Mosimane suggested that Appollis should operate more as a winger, with left-back Aubrey Modiba given the freedom to move inside.
The comments did not sit well with some supporters, who felt Mosimane’s approach could limit Appollis’ influence in the final third.
Khan, however, believes the plan could actually allow the 23-year-old to have a greater impact in central areas.
“I think basically what the coach is going to do ultimately is to play Oswin Appollis more centrally. Because he is playing with one striker and has Rele coming in from deep, and it wouldn’t be wise for Appollis to go and become somebody who becomes a provider,” he said on Soccerbeat.
“We need his goalscoring touch. I think once Mudau comes back, we’re going to see a team where Pitso is going to use his fullbacks more effectively because then he’s able to stretch opponents and is able to overload the centre.”
Oswin Appollis forced to cross balls
Khan also believes Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng will play important roles in Mosimane’s Bafana setup.
“When a striker is isolated, he’s outmanoeuvred, outmuscled by the opponents, you need attackers. When you look at Rele, he is a very tricky and skilful player. Appollis is skilful. If you have Rayners as a striker, or whoever, they will be able to hold the ball up at times and allow those players to make runs behind.
“He is not saying rigidly that Oswin Appollis must play as a winger. What he is saying is that, depending on the situation, Oswin will go wide to stretch the opponents.”
It remains to be seen whether Appollis will start when Bafana return to action against Eritrea in their next 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Wednesday.