Orlando Pirates pulled off the massive signing of Oswin Appollis from Polokwane City earlier this month.
Pirates were also believed to have been arch rivals Kaizer Chiefs to the signing of Appollis making the deal sweeter.
Pirates beat Chiefs to Appollis signing
Chiefs had made it no secret that they wanted to sign Appollis from Polokwane, for a full year. In fact, this time last year their sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jnr spoke openly about their interest in the player. But in the end. Both clubs were thought to have made approaches for the player during the January transfer window. Pirates, in fact, were thought to have already wrapped up a double with City ahead of the window.
It was reported that both Appollis and right back Thabang Matuludi were in their way to Pirates in January. However, the deeper it got into the window, the more apparent it was that there was no double deal. City officials had been denying it left, right and centre and Chiefs were thought to have tabled a bid. In the end, it was rejected and that was the end of their pursuit of the Bafana Bafana winger.
How much did they spend on him?
Interestingly enough, they didn’t seem to go back in for Appollis in this window, but it seemed Pirates moved on too. But, out of nowhere, they announced his transfer, while Chiefs went for other options. The only point that was not clarified was the transfer fee paid for the player. Now according to KickOff.com it was a discounted fee from the initial R20 million reported.
“Aware that his (Appollis) contract was heading into its last 12 months, Polokwane then agreed to sell him to Pirates.Though the 23-year-old’s valuation has been placed at R20 million over the past year, it has been established that he move to Pirates for 60% of that amount. This places the transfer fee in the region of R12 million.” Wrote the publication.
Fair fee Buccaneers?
Pirates fans, do you feel that is a fair transfer fee for Appollis? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
