For three seasons, Malawi international Gabadinho Mhango was seen as the shining light for Orlando Pirates. An elite goalscorer during his time with the Bucs, he was nearly the man responsible for ending their title drought in 2019/20 after scoring 16 times across 28 matches to win the PSL Golden Boot.
However, it wasn’t meant to be for Mhango. Leaving the club in 2022, he recently had to watch his former team finish the year as champions, while his team, Richards Bay, ended the season 11th in the division.
In Mhango’s place, a new rising star of South African football has since emerged. Oswin Appollis might only be 24 years old, but he is already considered one of the most exciting attackers in the division.
Appollis’ dynamic threat catapulted Pirates to Premiership title
The 2025/26 season saw Appollis move from Polokwane City to Pirates in the summer transfer window, and it was a move that paid dividends for the club as they ended their campaign as champions. Having previously finished as runners-up behind Mamelodi Sundowns in three consecutive years, their new signing made the difference in key moments.
Ending the league season with nine goals and six assists, Appollis helped his new side win several matches. The most notable was the 1-0 victory against Siwelele FC in September 2025, where his strike in the 80th minute proved to be decisive.
Mhango saw Appollis’ talent first-hand throughout the year, as the winger provided the assist for Tshepang Moremi’s goal in Richards Bay’s Carling Knockout semi-final loss. And while the Malawi international was not in the squad for the Premiership game against Orlando Pirates in April 2026, he still would have seen Appollis score in the 2-2 draw between both clubs.
There’s every chance that both players will meet once again in the new season, as Orlando Pirates look to defend their crown. And South African Premiership fans can make the most of a Betway promo code 2026 which can be used to place wagers on that match.
CAF Champions League glory potentially awaits Appollis
After a short break for the 2026 World Cup, where Appollis is set to play a leading role for Hugo Broos’ side, the Bafana Bafana international’s focus will turn to the upcoming season with Orlando Pirates. And it could be a memorable one on the continental stage, as well as domestically.
The Sea Robbers will not only be looking to defend their Premiership crown, but also to impress in the CAF Champions League, a competition they have not won since 1995. Appollis played his first games in the tournament last year as Orlando Pirates exited the competition in the second round, and will be hoping to go one better.
Mhango, unfortunately, never had the chance to play in the Champions League during his years at Orlando Stadium, but his efforts there would have led many Malawian fans to support Orlando Pirates. Now, they will be rooting for Appollis as he bids to lead the team to continental glory.
