Orlando Pirates attacking midfielder Andre De Jong has heaped praise on Oswin Appollis, saying that, “at times”, he carried the team on his shoulders last season.
Having spent the last six months with the Buccaneers, De Jong played his part in the club’s Betway Premiership triumph, while Appollis enjoyed a stellar debut campaign after joining at the start of the season and helping the side complete a treble.
The Bafana Bafana international featured in 43 matches across all competitions, contributing 12 goals and nine assists.
De Jong highlighted Appollis’ quality and influence, crediting him for consistently delivering when the team needed him most.
“I think some of the goals he scored were from outside the box this season, I think the big thing about him is his backlift is minimal,” said De Jong on Extra Time on SuperSport.
“I think he can obviously strike a ball from basically a standing start as well.
“But yeah, his contribution to the team has been incredible. I think also in some big moments where he’s almost taken the team upon himself, taken it a bit between his teeth and turned the games for us.”