Appollis’ sublime pass to Mofokeng earns Pirates draw

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Orlando Pirates new signing Oswin Appollis produced a sublime pass for Relebohile Mofokeng to score during the team’s 1-1 draw with Cypriot outfit Pafos.

Having gone down 2-0 to Bolton Wanderers, the Buccaneers played to a draw on Sunday morning in Marbella, Spain, in a pre-season friendly match.

The European outfit took the lead as early as the sixth minute and were pretty much in control for the first 20 minutes. Bucskeeper Sipho Chaine was called up to intervene on several occasions to keep the score at 1-0.

It took a bit of magic from Pirates winger Oswin Appollis to draw them level, with the new signing finding Relebohile Mofokeng with a superb pass and the 20-year-old made no mistake in calmly slotting home to make it 1-1 in the 24th minute.

The goal shifted the momentum with the Buccaneers finding a few opportunities in the latter half of the opening period. Midfielder Sipho Mbule drew a save from the keeper with a long-range effort while Kabelo Dlamini went just wide with his attempt from a similar distance.

Replacement goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla was called upon on a couple of occasions early in the second half, and was a cool presence between the posts. His side was just as active at the other end with Boitumelo Radiopane looking lively inside the box.

Appollis shines for Orlando Pirates

The shot-stopper was tested late on via a free kick delivered into the box. It bounced awkwardly, but he was positioned well enough to make a crucial block as a number of white shirts descended towards the Pirates goal before a clearance was made.

The Pafos defence continued to frustrate Pirates as time ran out, with the likes of Patrick Maswanganyi and Tshepang Moremi falling just short in their attempts to find the winner.

Having signed for Pirates in July, Appollis have impressed the Bucs faithful so far. He is rated on of the best wingers in the country currently.

The Buccaneers next play Spanish second-tier outfit Las Palmas on Thursday evening, with the game kicking off at 17:00 (SAST).

Pirates XI: Chaine (Dladla 46’), Sibisi (Seema 46’), Mbokazi, Van Rooyen (Mashiolane 62’), Hotto (Ndaba 62’), Mbatha (Selepe 62’), Mbule (Dansin 46’), Dlamini (Kimvuidi 62’), Appollis (Moremi 62’), Mofokeng (Maswanganyi 62’), Radiopane (Mbuthuma 62’).