‘Orlando Pirates must NOT get rid of evergreen Hotto’

Deon Hotto is an ultra-reliable performer for Orlando Pirates but he’s in the twilight years of a quality career.

Hotto’s time at Pirates is drawing to a close

Hotto, a star for Namibia at Afcon 2023, has been a rock-solid operator down the left-hand side of the Pirates team. Equally adept in defence or midfield, he’s a manager’s dream. At 34, however, his contract expires in June and is unlikely to be extended as he’s currently on R500k a month. The vastly-experienced star has 65 caps and 10 goals for his country. He made 27 appearances in the Betway Premiership last season with a goal and five assists. This term he’s got a goal and three assists after just 10 games. To say he’ll be difficult to replace is a gross understatement. Will they live to regret letting him go? There are at least two more years left in his legs at the top level. Put Hotto in almost any position on the pitch and he’ll give you a solid performance.

Here’s one fan’s sentiments:

“I don’t know who must come out of this Pirates side to give way for the evergreen Hotto who hasn’t tasted a bad day at the office since the current season began. His work rate is unmatched in the PSL at the moment.”

Best Orlando Pirates XI with three rumoured additions

This hypothetical XI includes Oswin Appollis, Fawaaz Basadien and Thabang Matuludi. Would someone like Mohau Nkota feel hard done by to lose his place? Do Pirates need Matuludi after spending considerable cash on Deano Van Rooyen from Stellenbosch? 26-year-old Matuludi has two goals and an assist from 12 league appearances this term. Should Hotto be in this selection?

Chaine; Matuludi, Sesane, Sibisi, Basadien; Mbatha, Timm; Appollis, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Mabasa.

Royal AM vs Pirates postponed

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) on Wednesday announced it had suspended all matches involving Royal AM until the KwaZulu-Natal club presents its case to the league on Friday. They are under curatorship from Sars. The club were scheduled to meet Orlando Pirates on Thursday evening but the clash has been postponed.

Do you think Hotto has another couple of seasons left in the tank?

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