Deon Hotto earns Namibia call-up on his 36th birthday

Orlando Pirates wingback Deon Hotto has been selected for Namibia’s squad on the day he turns 36, earning another international opportunity as the Brave Warriors prepare for two 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Cameroon in November.

Namibia head coach Collin Benjamin has included Hotto in his squad for the Group G double-header, with the Brave Warriors travelling to face the Indomitable Lions in Cameroon on November 12.

The teams will meet again four days later, with the second qualifier taking place in Gaborone, Botswana.

The call-up extends Hotto’s international career into its 15th year. He is also set to feature in his seventh qualifying campaign for Namibia, underlining his continued importance to the national team.

Hotto is now in his seventh season with Orlando Pirates and has continued to play a significant role for the club. Despite reaching the age of 36, the Namibian has shown no indication of slowing down.

He again demonstrated his qualities in midweek against Milford FC, maintaining the form that has helped him remain part of Benjamin’s plans.

The squad also includes several other notable Namibia internationals, among them Peter Shalulile, Riaan Hanamub and Bethuel Muzeu.

Six players selected by Benjamin are based in South Africa. The same number play their club football in Zimbabwe, where earnings in football are rising.

For Hotto, the latest selection represents another reward for his sustained performances at club and international level. His inclusion comes as Namibia prepare for two important Group G fixtures against Cameroon, with four days separating the meetings in November.