Polokwane City may soon face a difficult decision regarding the future of Oswin Appollis, the talented 23-year-old forward who has become one of the standout players in the Betway Premiership.
The club took a risk when they signed the winger from Pretoria Callies two seasons ago, but that gamble has paid off in spades.
Since joining Rise and Shine, Appollis has impressed with his scintillating performances, contributing 13 goals (8 goals and 5 assists) in 45 appearances. His impact on the field has not only solidified his place in the national team under coach Hugo Broos but also earned him the attention of top-tier clubs both locally and on the continent.
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Reports suggest that Esperance, the Tunisian powerhouse, has shown interest in the attacker, though Polokwane City reportedly turned down the offer.
More recently, both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs have entered the fray, with the latter reportedly submitting a substantial offer for his services.
The question now is: how long can Polokwane City hold onto their prodigious talent as the pressure mounts from two of South Africa's biggest clubs?
Appollis is contracted to Polokwane City until June 2026, with the club also having the option to extend for another year.
While this gives Polokwane some leverage, the growing interest in the 23-year-old could soon force the club into a corner. If Polokwane refuses to entertain offers, they risk having a player whose head could be turned by the lure of Gauteng's bright lights and the appeal of playing for a club with a larger profile and bigger ambitions.
With Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates vying for his services, Polokwane City may soon find themselves in a position where they must either cash in on the player and demand the highest possible price or face the possibility of losing him for much less if he sees out his contract.
The next few months could prove to be pivotal in determining whether Polokwane can hold onto their star player or whether they will be forced to part ways with him amid increasing pressure from bigger clubs.
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