Deon Hotto’s discipline keeps remarkable Orlando Pirates run on track

Orlando Pirates veteran Deon Hotto has been praised for sustaining an exceptional career as he approaches his 36th birthday, with the Namibia international having featured in 255 of the club’s 281 matches since joining the Soweto giants.

Hotto is now in his seventh season with Pirates and has averaged 42 appearances each campaign. Such consistency is unusual in domestic football, particularly for a player who has maintained those levels throughout his 30s.

His durability has been attributed to discipline, professionalism and a determination shaped by his upbringing in Namibia.

“I believe discipline, respect for his trade and body, his fitness and hunger emanating from where we come from here in Namibia is part of what carries him,” said Elton Katangolo, the former chairman of Hotto’s previous club, Blue Boys.

Katangolo remains close to Hotto and continues to advise him, alongside the agent and lawyer who also work with the player. Both men come from Mondesa, a township in Swakopmund.

“I have known Deon since he was 11/12 because he was with my younger brothers before he even came to play for Blue Boys.

“Do you know that he was not even the best with us, but those that were better than him fell on the wayside?

“Where you come from influences your route in life.

“Someone’s hunger is not your hunger because others don’t appreciate peanut butter and jam, but that could mean the world to someone else.

“He lost his mom at a young age, and he had to fend for himself under trying circumstances.

“One time we even had to get him out of police cells to play for us the next day, and the police officers understood, and that was when he was getting up to mischief done by teenage boys.

“Football was the only ticket out of the township for him, and he has made good use of the opportunity.”

Katangolo said Hotto’s early experiences helped shape both his football career and his attitude towards money and family.

“Mondesa has some rough pockets, and if you are up to no good, it can be very bad.

“Recently, it is not an okay place to have your kids there unsupervised because of drugs and alcohol.

“I can assure you that he hasn’t squandered any of his money and will have cover for his kids for the rest of his life.

“He is not a spender and still drives the same car for eight years.

“He could have bought a Range Rover cash with all the bonuses that came from cup competitions, but he prefers to keep it simple.”

Hotto’s family life has also been credited as an important factor in his longevity.

“Credit to his wife for keeping the family nucleus moving.

“Many footballers fall by because there is no structure at home.

“Even though he is at the sunset of his career, he is still working like a player only starting out,” Katongolo told this website during a lengthy conversation on Wednesday morning.

Hotto’s record at Orlando Pirates underlines that assessment. His 255 appearances in 281 matches since his arrival represent an average of more than 90% of the club’s games, highlighting his availability across seven seasons.

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