Deon Hotto calls Orlando Pirates’ three-game Sekhukhune run ‘crazy’

Orlando Pirates utility player Deon Hotto has described his side’s unusual run of three successive matches against Sekhukhune United as “crazy” as the clubs prepare to meet in two different competitions.

The Buccaneers and Babina Noko began the sequence with the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final on Saturday. They will face each other again in the Betway Premiership during midweek before completing the cup tie in the second leg next weekend.

It is an unfamiliar situation for both teams, with the same opponents meeting three times in the space of a week.

“Facing the same team in three matches in a week is crazy,” Hotto told Pirates media after Saturday’s game.

“But we came here today and did the job. The next one is in the Arena; we know what we need to do, and we are taking it one game at a time.”

Orlando Pirates took an important advantage into the second leg by beating Sekhukhune United in the opening match of their MTN8 semi-final.

The Namibian international was named Man of the Match after scoring the only goal of the game in the 44th minute. His strike secured a 1-0 victory for the Buccaneers at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, 22 August 2026.

Hotto said Sekhukhune’s approach had made the match particularly demanding, with the home side using a smaller pitch to limit space and restrict Pirates’ movement.

“It was a difficult game; they brought us to a small pitch because they wanted to squeeze us,” he said.

“But at the end of the day, we have a very good technical team; we exploited the space we wanted. I got my first goal (of the season) … and I am grateful. I thank the man above and the support from my teammates and the technical staff.”

The result gives Orlando Pirates a narrow lead before the two clubs switch their attention to the Betway Premiership in midweek.

After that league meeting, the sides will return to cup action for the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final next weekend, completing a demanding sequence against the same opponents across two competitions.

For Hotto, Saturday’s performance also marked his first goal of the season, while his display helped Pirates secure a valuable result away from home.Sekhukhune United will now have the opportunity to respond in the league fixture before attempting to overturn the deficit in the return leg.