Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has made it clear that Oswin Appollis' reduced playing time at Orlando Pirates will not dictate how he uses the winger in the national team.

Mosimane was responding to questions about whether the attacker's limited minutes under Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou would influence his selection and playing time ahead of South Africa's important Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya.

Appollis has reportedly been used more frequently as an impact substitute this season, with Ouaddou explaining that the decision was part of a workload management strategy following a demanding previous campaign.

The Pirates winger had been involved in several competitions, including domestic and continental football, as well as international assignments with Bafana Bafana.

However, Mosimane believes managing fatigue at club level is not his responsibility when making decisions for the national team.

"We play once every two months, so there's no fatigue with us. So, for me, fatigue is not mine to manage, but to choose the best player around, and who's available," Mosimane said during his pre-match press conference.

The Bafana coach further explained that he does not intend to overwork or reduce the workload of players unnecessarily, insisting that his priority is selecting footballers who are available and capable of representing the country.

"I don't overtrain or detrain the team. I just use the player who's available and good for the country," he added.

Mosimane's comments suggest that Appollis' role at Orlando Pirates will not automatically determine his position in the national team.

The winger previously started Bafana's last two qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, making a significant contribution in the latter fixture by providing three assists.

The coach also addressed the influence of club coaches on his selection decisions, saying he respects their opinions but must retain independence when choosing his team.

"I don't listen to some press conferences. I have to look at what I have. If I have to start listening and looking at everybody, then my decisions and ways of thinking will be swayed," he explained.

His position reinforces his belief that national team selection must be based on the players available and what he considers best for South Africa, rather than the decisions made by their respective clubs.

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