Since Jose Riveiro took the helm at Orlando Pirates, there has been one player who has stood out as his most trusted and reliable figure: Deon Hotto.
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The Namibian international has been a fixture in Riveiro's lineup, making an impressive 93 appearances across the 100 matches the Spaniard has overseen, scoring eight goals and setting up 10 aasists in that time.
This remarkable statistic highlights just how integral Hotto has been to the coach's plans, with the versatile player missing only seven games during this period.
Hotto, now 34, has evolved significantly under Riveiro's guidance. Known for his natural abilities as a left winger during his time at Bidvest Wits, Hotto has successfully transitioned to a more defensive role at Orlando Pirates.
Since the 2023/24 season, the Namibian has played predominantly as a left-back, where he has adapted his attacking instincts to contribute to the team's defensive solidity. However, his versatility doesn't stop there; Hotto is also capable of filling in at right-back when necessary, further cementing his value as a flexible and dependable option for Riveiro.
Over the past few years, Hotto's work rate, defensive solidity, and experience have made him Riveiro's most trusted player. His steady performances have been central to Pirates' successes, and his commitment on the pitch reflects his importance to the squad.
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As Riveiro continues to build his legacy at the club, Hotto remains one of the key figures in his plans, and with 93 appearances in 100 games, the Namibian international is likely to continue playing a pivotal role in the years ahead.