Pirates star Appollis to share R100k prize with Mbokazi

Orlando Pirates midfielder Oswin Appollis has made a heartwarming decision, announcing he will share his R100,000 Man of the Match prize money with captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi following their hard-fought victory over Siwelele FC on Saturday.

The Buccaneers scraped a 1-0 win in the Carling Knockout Cup Round of 16 thanks to a spectacular late strike from Mbokazi in the 87th minute at Orlando Stadium in Soweto.

Despite the 24-year-old Appollis being voted Man of the Match by the fans, pocketing the massive cheque, he felt the true hero was his goal-scoring skipper.

‘I Will Share It With Him’: Appollis on Mbokazi

#𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐂𝐊𝐎𝐔𝐓 🏆

☠️ FT ||@orlandopirates 1 – 0 @Siwelele_FC

🎤 Oswin Appollis

⚫⚪🔴⭐#MatchDay#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/Tu3eDm9Si0

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) October 4, 2025

Speaking to SuperSport TV after the game, Appollis insisted Mbokazi’s late heroics deserved recognition, regardless of the fan vote.

“Yes, we had to fight today, you know. It wasn’t easy. What a brilliant goal from Mbokazi! To be honest, I didn’t deserve it more than he did because he was fighting and defending,” Appollis admitted.

“I’m definitely going to cut my share because what a goal! I will share it with him.”

The former Polokwane City FC star, who was substituted in the 80th minute, praised the team effort that saw Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side become the second team to secure a quarter-final berth in the tournament after Durban City FC.

“It was difficult today, but we knew that we would get a chance,” he continued. “What an amazing goal! Congratulations to the boys and the whole team for their hard work today. We are happy that we came out victorious.”

Appollis also expressed confidence in the team’s chances to go all the way, noting the squad’s quality and determination. Pirates now await the conclusion of the remaining Last 16 ties to determine their opponent in the next round.

#𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐂𝐊𝐎𝐔𝐓 🏆

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

🥅 Mbokazi 87′

⚫️⚪️🔴⭐️#MatchDay#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/jfSDZjD9cm

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) October 4, 2025