Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained why winger Oswin Appollis has not been featuring regularly in the starting lineup, revealing that the club is carefully managing his playing time to reduce the risk of injuries.

Appollis has established himself as an important member of the Pirates squad since joining the Soweto-based club. His pace, creativity and attacking ability have made him a valuable player for the technical team, particularly when the Buccaneers need to create scoring opportunities.

However, his recent involvement has attracted attention among supporters, especially after he was left out of the starting lineup for some important matches. This led to speculation about whether there might be disagreements between the winger and the coaching staff.

Ouaddou has now moved to address those concerns, making it clear that Appollis has not fallen out of favour. The coach reportedly described him as one of the club's top players and explained that the decision to manage his minutes is part of a broader plan to keep him fit.

The Moroccan coach reportedly pointed to Paris Saint-Germain's treatment of Achraf Hakimi as an example. Despite being a key player for the French giants, Hakimi's workload is also managed to help protect his fitness and reduce the possibility of injuries.

Ouaddou believes a similar approach is necessary for Appollis, particularly because Orlando Pirates have a demanding schedule involving several competitions. The Buccaneers must balance their domestic league responsibilities with their CAF Champions League campaign, making squad management increasingly important.

With several crucial fixtures still ahead, Pirates will need their most influential players available during the decisive stages of the season. Appollis' attacking qualities could prove valuable as the club continues its pursuit of success on multiple fronts.

The coach's explanation suggests that leaving the winger out of certain starting lineups should not be interpreted as a sign of disciplinary problems or a breakdown in their relationship.

Instead, the technical team appears focused on ensuring that Appollis remains physically prepared for the challenges ahead. Pirates supporters will therefore hope that the winger stays injury-free and continues making an impact whenever he is called upon.

Ouaddou's message is that Appollis remains an important part of his plans, with protecting the player's fitness being a major consideration.

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