Ouaddou Explains Shock Deon Hotto Decision as Pirates Star Is Hailed as His ‘Right-Hand Man’

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained why Deon Hotto remained on the bench against African Stars, describing the experienced Namibian international as his “right-hand man” while highlighting the importance of squad rotation.

Ouaddou made the decision as the Buccaneers secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Namibian side African Stars in the first leg of their CAF Champions League qualifying tie in Gaborone, Botswana, on Saturday.

Tshepang Moremi scored the decisive second-half goal to hand the Soweto giants an important advantage ahead of the return fixture in South Africa.

However, Hotto's absence from the action attracted attention, particularly given his experience, leadership qualities and previous connection with African Stars.

Ouaddou Explains Why Hotto Stayed on the Bench

Speaking after the match, Ouaddou made it clear that Hotto's omission was not a reflection of his standing within the team. Instead, the Pirates mentor emphasised the veteran winger's importance to the club and the need to manage his workload during a demanding campaign.

“Hotto is my right-hand man,” Ouaddou said, underlining the 35-year-old's leadership role within the squad.

The coach also described the Namibian international as an African legend, praising his contribution to football beyond his achievements at Orlando Pirates.

According to Ouaddou, Hotto has already played numerous matches, making careful management of his minutes an important consideration as the season progresses.

The Pirates coach explained that his selection strategy involves rotating players between the starting XI and the substitutes' bench, depending on the team's requirements and the demands of the fixture schedule.

Pirates Face a Demanding Schedule

With several competitions on the horizon, Ouaddou believes maintaining freshness across the squad will be essential to Pirates' ambitions.

The Buccaneers are balancing their CAF Champions League campaign with domestic commitments, including the Carling Knockout Cup and the highly anticipated Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs.

Ouaddou indicated that Pirates could play close to 60 matches during the season, making it difficult to rely on the same starting line-up consistently.

He explained that Hotto was selected among the potential impact players against African Stars but that the circumstances of the match did not provide an opportunity to introduce him.

Hotto Could Return for the Second Leg

Despite remaining an unused substitute, Hotto's experience could prove valuable when Pirates resume their continental campaign.

Ouaddou expressed hope that the veteran would have an opportunity to contribute in the return fixture, as the Buccaneers continue their pursuit of qualification for the CAF Champions League group stages.

For Pirates, the message is clear: Hotto remains a trusted figure, and his absence was a tactical and workload-management decision rather than a sign of diminishing importance.

Source https://x.com/FARPostZA/status/2111785837771809124?t=Vb9tdxaAPAqG6oG6FIrcaw&s=19