Polokwane City head coach Phuti Mohafe has explained why Kaizer Chiefs target Oswin Appollis was absent in their Betway Premiership opener against AmaZulu FC.
Rise and Shine scored a late goal via Tholo Matuludi to pick up a victory over Usuthu on Saturday evening.
The right-back Matuludi capitalised on the mistake made by Veli Mothwa who recently made a blunder at Bafana Bafana.
Appollis, who has been heavily linked exit amid links with Kaizer Chiefs and MC Alger, was not among the members of the match day squad.
This is despite him training with the team on Friday in preparation for Usuthu clash.
When asked after the game, Polokwane coach Mohafe indicated that Appollis was given a rest after participating in two recent games for the national team. He emphasised the importance of the 23-year-old to the team as the season progresses.
MOHAFE ON WHY APPOLLIS DIDN’T FEATURE AGAINST AMAZULU
“Oswin is alive, Oswin is here,” said Mohafe.
“He didn’t play, he was in the national team. So we have to rest him, we need him more going forward.”
Meanwhile, some players who represented their national teams during the AFCON qualifiers played for their clubs this weekend.
Appollis was supposed to move to MC Alger this window after Polokwane had agreed to sell him. However, the two teams ultimately failed to reach a consensus on the transfer fee.
With the closure of the Algerian transfer window on Tuesday, this situation has provided Chiefs with an opportunity to acquire the SuperSport United academy graduate.
Reports indicate that Amakhosi remains keen on securing the talented winger. The South African transfer window is set to close on 20 September.
