Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates alert: Polokwane open to Appollis leaving

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates on high alert as Polokwane owner more open to his stars’ like Oswin Appollis leaving.

Polokwane City’s prized assets, Appollis and Thabang Matuludi, are back in the spotlight as interest from top South African and international clubs intensifies. In a significant shift, Polokwane City owner Jonny Mogaladi appears open to negotiations for his standout players. This marks a change from his previously rigid stance during the last transfer window.

Appollis: The winger who almost left

Oswin Appollis, a Bafana Bafana winger, was the subject of much speculation in the last window. Clubs, both locally and abroad, made inquiries about the talented player, with Algerian club MC Alger showing the most serious interest. SABC Sport reported that Polokwane City had initially agreed to sell Appollis before the start of the Betway Premiership, but the deal fell apart when Mogaladi abruptly went “offline.”

Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns also expressed interest in Appollis, who remains a hot commodity. However, Mogaladi had previously made it clear that he had no plans to let the star winger leave. Chiefs however came close to securing him locally.

Matuludi: Rising star in demand

Right-back Thabang Matuludi has also caught the attention of some of the biggest names in South African football. After a stellar season with Polokwane City, where he featured in 32 matches and played a key role in their promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship, Matuludi earned a call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad for the 2024 COSAFA Cup regional tournament.

Matuludi’s performances have put him on the radar of clubs such as Stellenbosch FC, alongside Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. His combination of defensive skill and versatility makes him a valuable asset for teams seeking to strengthen their backlines.

Jonny Mogaladi changes his tune

A major shift in Mogaladi’s approach has sparked fresh hope for interested clubs. A source close to the matter shared, “He (Jonny Mogaladi) is now more willing to consider serious offers for his star players. However, I don’t believe they will leave in the January transfer window. Discussions might begin now, for potential moves at the end of the season. Thisway gives Polokwane City a better chance to secure their survival for another campaign.”

Compared to the last transfer window, when Mogaladi went AWOL during crucial negotiations, the likelihood of Appollis or Matuludi leaving now seems significantly higher.

For the Soweto giants like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, this development could pave the way for strengthening their squads with two of the brightest talents in the league. With Mogaladi open to discussions, these clubs must act swiftly to secure deals ahead of the next transfer window.

The willingness to sell also signals an opportunity for Polokwane City to capitalize financially while focusing on retaining their top-flight status. Whether these potential moves materialize in January or later in the season, the interest surrounding Appollis and Matuludi continues to grow.

Stay tuned with The South African as Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates on high alert as the Polokwane owner is more open to stars’ like Oswin Appollis leaving.

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