Orlando Pirates attacking midfielder Andre De Jong has heaped praise on teammate Oswin Appollis for playing an instrumental role in the team’s success.

Appollis has enjoyed an impressive debut campaign with the Buccaneers, having scored 12 goals and registered nine assists in 43 appearances in all competitions.

He also played a crucial role in helping the Sea Robbers secure the treble as well as their first league title in 14 years.

De Jong believes Appollis’ technical quality and knack for producing match-winning contributions have been instrumental to the team’s success, with the Bafana Bafana international often taking responsibility and turning games in Pirates’ favour when it matters most.

“I think some of the goals he scored were from outside the box this season, I think the big thing about him is his backlift is minimal,” said De Jong on Extra Time on SuperSport as per IDiski Times.

“I think he can obviously strike a ball from basically a standing start as well.

“But yeah, his contribution to the team has been incredible. I think also in some big moments where he’s almost taken the team upon himself, taken it a bit between his teeth and turned the games for us.”