Deon Hotto Receives Namibia Call-Up on His 36th Birthday

Namibian football veteran Deon Hotto has received another international call-up, with the Orlando Pirates star included in the Brave Warriors squad for two crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Cameroon.

The announcement came on a special day for the experienced winger, who turned 36, providing another reminder of his remarkable longevity and continued importance to both club and country.

Hotto's inclusion highlights the confidence Namibia head coach Collin Benjamin continues to place in the veteran's experience, leadership and ability to compete at the highest level. Despite approaching the latter stages of his playing career, the Pirates attacker remains an important figure in the national team setup.

Namibia are preparing for a challenging double-header against Cameroon as they look to strengthen their position in the race for qualification for the 2027 AFCON tournament. The two encounters will demand discipline, concentration and experience, qualities Hotto has developed throughout his extensive international career.

The first fixture is scheduled for November 12, with Namibia set to face Cameroon away from home. The return encounter is scheduled for November 16 in Gaborone, Botswana, where the Brave Warriors will have another opportunity to make their mark.

With qualification points potentially proving decisive, Benjamin will be hoping his experienced players can help the team navigate the difficult assignment successfully.

Hotto's international record underlines why he remains a trusted member of the squad. The winger has accumulated 84 caps and scored 12 goals for Namibia, while continuing his involvement in what is now his seventh AFCON qualifying campaign.

His international career has spanned 15 years, giving him valuable experience in different competitions and challenging situations. That experience could prove especially important against a Cameroon side known for its pedigree in African football.

At club level, Hotto is also approaching another significant milestone with Orlando Pirates. Now in his seventh season with the Soweto giants, he has made 257 appearances in 283 matches, demonstrating his consistency and reliability within the squad.

His recent performance against Milford FC in midweek provided another opportunity to showcase his quality, reinforcing the value he continues to offer despite his age.

For Pirates, Hotto remains a dependable option, while Namibia will be counting on his experience as they prepare for two demanding international fixtures.

His latest call-up sends a clear message: age alone does not determine a player's value. As he celebrates his 36th birthday, Hotto has earned another opportunity to represent his country and contribute to Namibia's pursuit of a place at the 2027 AFCON tournament.

Source https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2115794773592219935?a=nLZ6J99_7FJ6OneKLY8&s=19