Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has addressed the attention surrounding Deon Hotto’s absence from the Buccaneers’ CAF Champions League clash against his former club African Stars.

The two teams met in the first leg of their second preliminary-round tie at the Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone on Saturday, October 17, 2026, with Pirates securing a narrow 1-0 victory. The result handed the Soweto giants an important advantage ahead of the return fixture.

Hotto’s absence, however, attracted considerable attention because of his strong connection to African Stars. The experienced Namibian winger previously represented the club before moving to South Africa in 2014 and establishing himself as a prominent figure in the domestic game.

Despite the storyline surrounding the fixture, Hotto was not included in Pirates’ matchday involvement. The exact reason for his omission has not been independently confirmed, and there has been no verified indication that he was injured, rested or left out for tactical reasons.

The Buccaneers nevertheless managed to secure the crucial away result, with Tshepang Moremi producing the decisive moment in the 75th minute. His goal proved enough to give Pirates a slender lead going into the second leg.

Before the encounter, Ouaddou had spoken highly of Hotto, describing the 35-year-old as an “African legend” and praising his longevity, commitment and professionalism. The coach also highlighted the value of his experience to younger players within the squad.

Hotto joined Orlando Pirates in 2020 after establishing himself in South African football and has since become an experienced member of the squad, featuring in domestic and continental competitions.

Pirates will now turn their attention to completing the job in the return leg, scheduled for Friday, October 23, at Orlando Amstel Arena. Despite their first-leg victory, the Buccaneers cannot afford to relax, with African Stars still capable of overturning the one-goal deficit and changing the outcome of the tie.

Source:

https://x.com/FARPostZA/status/2111501622194983298