SABC Sport has been informed that the Tunisian outfit have tabled a bid much more lucrative than any other Premier Soccer League rival has offered to date and Appollis had expected clarity by now.

Furthermore, it’s understood Esperance have done all in their limited power to prove they are sincere in their attempts to lure the Bafana Bafana international to North Africa before their 2024/25 season gets underway.

The public broadcaster can confirm that Esperance have submitted an offer in writing to City and – several days later – are yet to receive feedback.

As things stand, the potential deal could collapse despite the Tunisian outfit having obliged in sending back a revised proposal at City’s request.

Reports have also linked Appollis to Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, although there’s been no official word from either club on whether they have joined the race for the player since the transfer window opened.

City have already returned for pre-season with coach Phuti Mohafe ahead of their opening fixture for the new campaign, an away MTN8 quarterfinal clash against Sundowns on 11 August at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

It remains to be seen whether Appollis will still be a Rise and Shine player in the lead up to that encounter as Esperance are still hopeful of being given permission to discuss personal terms with the player unless told to walk away.

The 22-year-old was arguably the club’s best player last season as one of the newest signings, earning a Bafana call up to the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire and returning home with a bronze medal.

SABC Sport approached Appollis’ representative Lance Davids for further clarity on why the potential move to Esperance has stalled.

“You’d probably get a better answer from the two clubs, but from our side we did everything possible to try facilitate the move,” he explained.

“Our understanding is that Esperance submitted an initial offer, which they later improved but apparently they could not get a response from anyone at the club. Maybe Polokwane City have other offers lined up that we don’t know about.”

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