Chiefs look to beat Pirates to Appollis

There has not been much activity in the transfer market since the window opened at the beginning of the year, but Siya sources have indicated that behind the scenes, Kaizer Chiefs have been very busy.

Indications are that the club are in a race to beat archrivals Orlando Pirates to the services of rising star Oshwin Appollis as well as to the signature of Namibian international Riaan Hanamub.

Appollis has been a beacon of light for Polokwane City since joining at the beginning of the year from Motsepe Foundation Championship side Pretoria Callies, with the Buccaneers having indicated their desire to lure him to Houghton.

The attacking midfielder’s standout performances for Rise and Shine have even caught the attention of national team head coach Hugo Broos, who has included him in the 23-man squad that has departed for Cote d’Ivoire, where they will participate in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Hanamub, on the other hand, is a highly-rated versatile defender capable of being deployed either as a left back or sometimes in central defence by his club AmaZulu FC and his national team coach Collin Benjamin.

He has also been in excellent form this season and has earned a reputation as a reliable, hard-working fullback blessed with the ability to both defend and attack depending on the flow of the game.

He featured in the Brave Warriors’ international friendly preparation match against Ghana this week, where he shut out their fearsome central striker Jordan Ayew in a game that ended goalless.

There is no doubt that the 28-year-old is being looked at as someone to offer stiff challenge to Sifiso Hlanti, who, despite his wealth of experience, could be nearing the end of the road at this level.