How Polokwane City chairman went AWOL amid Oswin Appollis transfer

As earlier reported by SABC Sport, Appollis was the subject of interest of several local clubs, including Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, as well as Esperance of Tunisia and MC Algers of Algeria.

The player’s representative Lance Davids, speaking on Metro FM’s Sports Night Amplified with Andile, shared how attempts to reach Polokwane City chairman Johnny Mogaladi went unsuccessful prior to the close of the transfer window.

"I knew it was going to go to the wire with Oswin, just because of his situation – he was in high demand from North Africa, and the problem was, in all honesty I think, they came in with an offer and the club owner accepted the offer and just went offline," said Davids.

"So it was really difficult because also dealing with North Africans is difficult, they work late at night and we work like normal hours, so it also wasn't easy. 

"And we thought it would go on through, and unfortunately Esperance found a replacement, so of course it dragged on and then MC Algers came in afterwards, and then we again couldn't find the owner of Polokwane [City] – struggling to get hold of him.

"We thought it would be the same price tag, we just couldn't get hold of him, unfortunately.

"And at the end of the day, fair enough, the owner doesn't want to sell so it's very difficult for everyone if the two clubs don't come to an agreement, there's nothing at all you can do. 

"And again, if a deal doesn't happen, we can't say to the player, 'Don't train, don't do this,' everyone has to be professional about, but if I look at this deal, it was really sad. 

"I think what Oswin has done over the last year for Polokwane, who bought him from Pretoria Callies – being the best player, called up to the national team, ended up third at AFCON with Bafana."

Davids said the Soweto giants also never gave up on trying to sign Appollis, but have now officially missed out after the transfer window closed on Friday. 

"Actually, Kaizer Chiefs was really interested in him from the beginning, from the word go we were trying to push, and I just think Johnny [Mogaladi] or the club always wanted one instalment, and I just don't think Chiefs had the capacity to [pay once-off]," he added.

"But I think there was a deal to make, I think [Kaizer] Jr – even Bobsteak [Bobby Motaung] – was pushing hard to make this thing happen, and unfortunately [it didn't materialise].

"You know how businessmen are, we try to drag it out until the last [minute] when desperation comes in, but I don't think Mr Johnny was desperate to sell Oswin, even at the last hour.

"And, in my opinion as an ex-player, it's really heartsore because, if you look at the deal that could have happened, it could have been perfect or the best scenario for everyone."

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