Many fans had long hoped to see the Bafana Bafana winger don the gold and black of Amakhosi.
Appollis had been consistently linked with a move to Naturena - a transfer Chiefs fans had eagerly anticipated for over two seasons.
His unveiling by the Buccaneers on Wednesday afternoon sent shockwaves through social media, with many questioning how the Glamour Boys failed to land a player they had seemingly targeted for so long, only to see him join their fiercest rivals.
The move comes hot on the heels of another bitter disappointment for the Amakhosi faithful: the loss of Sipho "Master-Chef" Mbule. The former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder was recently released by the Tshwane giants and became a free agent.
His agent, Mike Makaab, even took to X (formerly Twitter) to confirm that Mbule had been offered to Chiefs.
Yet, once again, Pirates swooped in and announced Mbule as one of their new signings ahead of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season.
The double blow of missing out on both Appollis and Mbule - two players heavily linked with Naturena - has fueled intense debate across social media platforms.
"Mbule or Appollis? Which one hurt Amakhosikazi the most," wrote @Shes_fair on popular social media platform X.
"I am Kaizer Chiefs, and I must admit, I am disappointed and hurt. I lost my appetite and skipped my lunch, but I am hungry. It’s like my GF has dumped me," wrote @Alson_M_.
"Seems like the signing of Appollis has broken a lot of chiefs supporters#upthebucs," said @Mothibedi28.
Despite the disappointment of losing out on both Mbule and Appollis, Chiefs fans are now shifting their hopes toward a potential move for Orlando Pirates winger Monnapule Saleng.
With his future at the club still uncertain, Amakhosi supporters are optimistic that their club can make a statement signing of their own - and perhaps mend some broken hearts in the process.
New Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has thrown down the gauntlet to Sipho Mbule, urging the former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder to take responsibility for his career.
Kaizer Chiefs are said to have parted ways with Venezuelan midfielder Edson Castillo, in a move that reflects the club's shift toward a more dynamic and locally grounded midfield.
Kaizer Chiefs' pursuit of Cape Town Spurs duo Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman has hit a legal and administrative roadblock, as the relegated club insists both players must report for pre-season.
Kaizer Chiefs have officially announced the signing of midfield workhorse Siphesihle Ndlovu as part of their sweeping squad overhaul ahead of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season.
