High praise for evergreen Deon Hotto ahead of sentimental clash with former team

Today, he faces his former club for the first time, and it’s a special occasion for the proud son of Swakopmund in Gaborone, Botswana. 

Back in 2014, he was scouted by Golden Arrows and brought to Durban, and he’s gone on to achieve a lot in SA. 

Bucs head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is only in his second season working with the 35-year-old and declares him an African legend.

"If you have to go deep, a little bit deep about Hotto, he's an African legend, not only for South Africa. Of course he's a legend for Orlando Pirates but for me this kind of player is a role model in our continent,” Ouaddou said.

“The number of trophies that he won for the club, the number of games, the number of assists, the numbers talk for him. 

“It's just important that he's with us, it can give a very good example for the young Namibian players to show that when we are professional and committed everything is possible in football as long as you believe and you trust yourself and your work. We are happy to have him still in our club."

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The rave reviews about Hotto extend beyond the playing field, and many have always looked up to Hotto as a player who is an ideal role model in the dressing room. 

Ouaddou says Hotto is a perfect ambassador for Namibian football.

"When you see, when you watch the longevity of Hotto and the way that he's playing, the commitment, the passion, the professionalism of that, it says a lot about the personality of Namibian players,” the coach explained. 

“For a coach like me and ex players, I'm watching a lot, the behaviour, the daily behaviour, how you are training, how you are managing your career, how you are managing your body and have the captain [Nkosinathi Sibisi] as well that's experience. 

“We have Makhaula [Makhehleni], you know, Tapelo [Xoku] and for me it says a lot. If you are able to play for such a long time, it means that you are smart and clever about how you manage your body."