Agent explains how Pirates beat Chiefs, Sundowns to Appollis

Orlando Pirates‘ capture of highly-rated winger Oswin Appollis ahead of the 2025/26 season was a major statement, and now, football agent Lance Davids has pulled back the curtain on how the Buccaneers managed to edge out bitter rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns for the signature.

Appollis joined the Soweto giants from Polokwane City FC in a deal that saw him link up with a host of new arrivals, including Sipho Mbule and Tshepang Moremi. The Bafana Bafana international has immediately delivered, playing a pivotal role in the club’s early success, which included clinching the 2025 MTN8 title. He has so far tallied an impressive four goals and five assists in 20 appearances across all competitions.

The Race for Appollis’s Signature

Before his move, the 24-year-old attacker was arguably the hottest property in the Betway Premiership, attracting concrete interest from South Africa’s “Big Three” as well as clubs across the African continent, notably Esperance.

Speaking on the Behind the Boot with Super Journo podcast, Davids explained that Pirates’ management succeeded through direct and efficient club-to-club negotiation, rather than relying on the agent’s influence.

“The CEOs and sporting directors must have good relationships, I will say this again, Chiefs tried [to sign Appollis],” Davids confirmed, stressing that agents cannot force a deal if clubs fail to agree terms.

“Sundowns were also interested, Esperance was also interested, but if you ask me now, this was the best move for Oswin. If you look at what Oswin is doing and how he’s doing it, I think this is the best move.”

Credit to the Buccaneers’ Management

Davids reserved special praise for the way Pirates navigated the competitive market and secured the deal, suggesting their professionalism was key to avoiding the pitfalls of a drawn-out transfer saga.

“Take the emotions off, take the agent’s cap off. Pirates’ management was fantastic with what they did. They came to an agreement with Polokwane City, and the deal was done,” Davids stated.

He concluded by offering a rare compliment to the Buccaneers’ hierarchy: “You have to give Pirates credit, if you look at how many deals have been hijacked, not even in South Africa, they hijack them. Well done to Orlando Pirates.”