The 24-year-old is still relatively young, but he has already experienced the highs and lows of football several times, having been rejected on numerous occasions and fallen in and out of love with the game.
But right now he is among Bafana’s most influential players, scoring his eighth international goal in the last 18 months to go with another eight assists, for 16 goal contributions in 24 appearances.
Not since their heyday have Bafana had a player who has been this influential.
He created another three chances against Panama for himself and his teammates in the 1-1 draw in Durban on Friday, at least one of which should have been taken to add to his impressive statistics.
Teenage talent
Appollis was born in Cape Town and grew up in the gang-infested suburb of Bishop Lavis.
He joined Ajax Cape Town’s youth academy, but in 2018 made the move to SuperSport United at the age of 17.
He made his Betway Premiership debut against Stellenbosch FC in 2019, just a few months after his 18th birthday, with then coach Kaitano Tembo handing him his bow.
But the next three seasons were frustrating as he made minimal appearances: just five as a substitute for SuperSport, along with a decent loan spell at second-tier University of Pretoria in 2020/21 that produced 12 appearances (eight starts) and two goals.
Return home
Appollis left SuperSport because of his lack of game time and returned to Cape Town, thinking about giving up the game that had already left him scarred while he was barely into his 20s.
He was without a club and without the motivation to continue his career, until a call came from his former SuperSport Diski Challenge coach, Kwanele Kopo.
“He was the only one who called me at that time,” Appollis said. “He coached me in the MDC at SuperSport. When he found out I was home, he called and asked what was happening.
“I told him, and we spoke. He said, ‘This is what I want you to do: you must come back and play for me. One day, you’ll be at the (national) Under-23 and hopefully with Bafana.’ So, a big shout-out to him. I am grateful for what he has done for me.
“I think that’s one person I will never forget, because if it wasn’t for him, I don’t think I’d be here with Bafana and Orlando Pirates.
“The most important thing for me was the hunger to get back on the field and play. When I was at home, it wasn’t always easy, as people kept asking questions.”
Back at it
Kopo was coach of second-tier Pretoria Callies at the time, and Appollis joined them ahead of the 2022/23 season. It was the move that relaunched his career.
He made 30 appearances that season (20 starts) and scored six goals, catching the attention of a number of clubs. Top-flight Polokwane City then made their move.
He became an instant regular at City and, over the next two seasons, a hugely influential part of their side.
He made 60 appearances (56 starts) and scored eight goals from his left-wing position, which caught the eye of national team coach Hugo Broos.
He joined Orlando Pirates at the start of the 2025/26 season, helping them to MTN8 and Carling Knockout success, as well as a first genuine shot at a league title in many years.
International star
Appollis made his debut in what remains one of Bafana’s poorer performances under Broos, the 2-0 loss to Rwanda in Butare in November 2023, though there were extenuating circumstances around that match.
He came on for Yaya Sithole after 75 minutes. His second cap was in the Africa Cup of Nations bronze-medal match against DR Congo in February 2024, before a first start in the 3-3 draw with Algeria in March that year.
But from June 2024 he became a regular, with his first goals coming in the crucial 3-2 win over South Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Since then he has scored eight times in 18 appearances, with five goals in his last seven caps. Nineteen of his 24 caps have come as a starter, including each of the last 10.
No other Bafana player has been as prolific in front of goal during that time.
Versatility
Though he has spent much of his career on the left wing, Appollis’ versatility is another bonus for coach Broos.
He played on the right against Panama on Friday to accommodate Tshepang Moremi in the team, and he can also play through the middle.
At a World Cup, you need players who can cover several positions in the event of injuries or suspension, so that is another major tick in his favour.
