Orlando Pirates utility man Deon Hotto has flourished into a new role under head coach Jose Riveiro and is ready to continue his current trajectory.
Hotto, 33, joined Pirates after the status sale of Bidvest Wits and has become a key figure in the club, as he closes in on 200 appearances since his arrival in September 2020.
Having first arrived as a pacy winger, he scored 18 goals with 22 assists in 89 games in his first two seasons before gradually converting into a left-back upon Jose Riveiro’s arrival in the 2022/23 season.
This is where the upturn in fortunes arrived, with the Spaniard entering the possibility of a three-peat in the MTN8, and his fifth trophy overall since his appointment.
“I think this is why the club appointed him as a coach, to bring happiness to the club, and I believe that we can all see the football he’s brought into this club, the accolades too,” he said ahead of the final against Stellenbosch FC.
“For me, transforming me to be the player I am now today, the role I’m playing in the club, I’m grateful for the transformation he’s given me in the seasons I’ve been here.
“For me it’s just the brand of football he’s playing, it’s a role I have been playing for a [few] years and I’m gelling well under his wings.”
Hotto has featured in every minute of Pirates season thus far, as they have secured a start of 10 matches without defeat, second in the league, and into the CAF Champions League group stages for the first time since the 2018/19 season.
And he’s been providing dynamic and consistent performances on the left side of defence with his high tempo and energy aiding the side in attack and defence.
“To be honest I’m just trying to do my best in every position that the coach is playing me and what keeps moving me is just the discipline I have for the game,” he said.
“Because if you don’t respect the game, the game won’t respect you. And that is one thing I am doing well, looking after myself. So for me, that’s the major thing of my football career.”
Hotto has scored two goals with one assist so far this season in his 10 appearances across all competitions.
