With Oswin Appollis and Monnapule Saleng going opposite directions as Orlando Pirates players, Soccer Laduma analyses whether the former Polokwane City winger can live up to expectations.
Pirates supporters may not feel the void of Saleng in the upcoming season, after the former Free State Stars striker was sent out on loan to newly promoted Betway Premiership side Orbit College.
Read: Bucs Set For Decision On Trialist?
Last season, there is no argument that the Buccaneers missed the influence of the left-footed attacker since his disappearance in December last year, as Jose Riveiro's charges came short in the Premiership title race with Mamelodi Sundowns.
However, the signing of Appollis has created a debate, on whether he can plug the gap left by Saleng.
In his first full season at Rise and Shine in the 2023/24 campaign, the 23-year-old scored seven goals and assisted five goals in all competitions.
The speedy attacker's numbers dropped significantly last term, however, as he managed only two goals and one assist in 28 appearances.
For Appollis to meet the expectations, the bar is that Saleng netted 15 goals and had 11 assist in his first full campaign at Pirates in the 2022/23 but scored only five goals in each of the last two seasons, although he was interrupted last term.
Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Morgan Gould has suggested that the 23-year-old will fill the void left by Saleng ahead of the new season.
Read: Midfield Star Joins Pirates In Spain Amid Transfer Talk
"He is that piece and more, you want a player that's in the national team, yes the numbers may not be phenomenal like Saleng," Gould argued on Switch On Network YouTube Channel.
"But he's at a place where there's better players and he's gonna be supplied more and the demands is gonna be more. He just needs to live up to expectations and that's it.
"That's what Saleng did, he came to Pirates and did what Oswin could possibly do this season. For me pound for pound is an upgrade," the former SuperSport United defender added.
