What Hotto has learned since joining Pirates 

Orlando Pirates winger Deon Hotto has admitted that he learned many things ever since joining the Soweto giants back in September 2020 from Bidvest Wits.

One can say that the Namibian international is the Buccaneers’ present and future even at the age of 31 and he will also be vital to their hopes of challenging for silverware in the 2022/23 season.

Hotto has become a leader on and off the pitch and is still scoring goals for his side when they need them the most.

He has been directly involved in 20 goals for the Sea Robbers since the start of last season (10 goals, 10 assists); the most of any player for the club in all competitions.

The ex-Golden Arrows man managed to lift the MTN8 trophy in the 2020/2021 campaign as Bucs came from behind to defeat 10-man Bloemfontein Celtic 2-1 at Moses Mabhida Stadium to end their six-year trophy drought.

The talented midfielder says he has learned a great deal about the club’s management, supporters and the pressure that comes with playing for one of the biggest teams in South Africa.

He is hoping to transmit the same winning mentality that saw them win the MTN8 to the current Pirates squad under the tutelage of Jose Riveiro.

“Things are different here at Pirates you know. It’s a very big institution and for the past two seasons, I have been here.

“I can say that it’s a club whose ambition is to get something every season. They have to be in a final and be somewhere like competing in CAF Interclub competitions.

“That’s something I have learnt,” Hotto told FARPost when asked what he has learned during his stay at Pirates thus far.

“I have also learnt how the supporters are and the pressure that comes with playing for Pirates. Definitely in football, the pressure will always be there but hit it different when you play for a team like Pirates. That’s how it is different from other clubs.

“With the club turning 85 this season and me being involved in the team, I don’t have an excuse to say we can’t have (win) a trophy this season.

“The fans deserve something for the 85th anniversary. It’s been a while and we have to bring back the glory days to the club.”

The Happy People are currently placed third on the DStv Premiership table with eight points, just two points adrift from log leaders AmaZulu FC.

Pirates will play Marumo Gallants in their next league game on Wednesday, 24 August at Orlando Stadium with the kick-off set for 20:00 in the evening.