Orlando Pirates Push to Retain Deon Hotto Amid Foreign Interest

Orlando Pirates are working hard to secure the future of Namibian international Deon Hotto, with the club tabling a contract extension to ward off interest from abroad, including reported links to Egyptian giants Al Ahly and former Buccaneers coach Jose Riveiro.

Hotto, who has been a key figure at Pirates since joining from Bidvest Wits in 2020, is entering the final phase of his current deal. Well-placed sources have confirmed that the Soweto club is eager to reward his consistency and leadership by extending his stay beyond the upcoming season.

Since arriving at the Buccaneers, Hotto has built a reputation for his high work rate, positional versatility, and veteran presence in the dressing room. Despite now being 34, he remains a central figure in the squad and continues to earn the trust of the technical team.

“The club is keen to renew his contract. Hotto has done very well since joining the club and is seen as a valuable member of the team. His professionalism is highly regarded, and he’s one of the senior players the club wants to keep around to help guide the younger ones,” a source close to the situation revealed.

Interest in Hotto has reportedly emerged from clubs in the Middle East and North Africa, most notably Al Ahly, where Jose Riveiro — his former coach at Pirates — is now in charge. While Riveiro is understood to be a fan of Hotto’s qualities, insiders suggest that a move to Cairo is unlikely, given the high-level scrutiny that accompanies all recruitment decisions at Al Ahly.

Additionally, age may prove to be a determining factor. With Hotto now in his thirties, a move to a club with Champions League ambitions and long-term planning may be less viable. This, combined with his integral role at Pirates, strengthens the club’s resolve to keep him.

Talks between Pirates and the player’s representatives are believed to be at an advanced stage, with the club eager to finalise the new deal before the start of pre-season. As the Buccaneers aim to build a squad that blends youth with experience for the 2025/26 campaign, retaining Hotto is seen as a crucial step in achieving that balance.