Appollis reacts to ‘shock’ MOTM win after Pirates lift Carling Cup

Orlando Pirates winger Oswin Appollis walked away with the R100,000 Man of the Match prize following the club’s Carling Knockout Cup final victory, but the player himself was quick to admit that he felt other teammates were more deserving of the accolade.

The Buccaneers clinched the trophy after a dramatic 1-0 extra-time win over Marumo Gallants, sealed by a Relebohile Mofokeng goal in the 105th minute at a sold-out New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

Despite being substituted just before Pirates scored—Appollis was replaced by Cemran Dansin in the 99th minute—he still received the lion’s share of the fan votes, totaling 8,876.

☠️ 🤴🏾 Man of the Match | Oswin Appollis @orlandopirates 1 – 0 @_Marumogallants

🥅 Mofokeng 115′

⚫️⚪️🔴⭐️#MatchDay#OrlandoPirates #OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/jb32RPPaGe

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) December 6, 2025

Speaking to SuperSport TV immediately after the final whistle, a humble Appollis expressed gratitude to the supporters but admitted he wasn’t convinced by the decision.

‘I Didn’t Deserve It’: Appollis’ Surprising Reaction to Carling Cup MOTM Award

“We have to thank the man above to make the win today,” Appollis began. “I’m happy for the boys; we fought today. I want to thank the fans for voting for me, but I think there are players who deserve it more today.”

The Bafana Bafana star insisted that his performance did not merit the award, adding: “I think there is players who deserve it more today because it wasn’t my best game, but like I said, thank you for the fans.”

He praised the collective effort of the squad for their determination throughout the tournament. “We’ve put in the work to reach the final, the boys fought today like I said. Even in the previous matches, the boys fought.”

The victory hands Orlando Pirates their second piece of silverware for the season, confirming their dominance in domestic cup competitions.