Several key players face uncertain futures.
HOTTO IS UNLIKELY TO EXTEND HIS DEAL
Hotto, a star for Namibia at Afcon 2023, has been a rock-solid operator down the left-hand side of the Pirates team. Equally adept in defence or midfield, he’s a manager’s dream. At 33, however, his contract expires in June and is unlikely to be extended as he’s currently on R500k a month. The vastly-experienced star has 65 caps and 10 goals for his country. He’s also made 23 appearances in the DStv Premiership this season, not missing a single game, scoring a goal and supplying five assists. To say he’ll be difficult to replace is a gross understatement. Will they live to regret letting him go? There are at least two more years left in his legs at the top level.
UP TO 10 PLAYERS COULD LEAVE ORLANDO PIRATES
33-year-old Kermit Erasmus is out of contract at the end of the campaign. ”Romeo’ joined the Buccaneers from Sundowns in September 2022 after feverish speculation linking him with a switch to Kaizer Chiefs. Other senior players with expiring contracts are Hotto, Richard Ofori, Siyabonga Mpontshane, Thabang Monare and Fortune Makaringe. Meanwhile, Olisa Ndah, Sandile Mthethwa and Zakhele Lepasa also need to renew their terms otherwise they’ll leave for free. If tempting offers come in for valuable playing personnel like Ndah, the Pirates board may have to consider them.
RIVEIRO MUST JUGGLE A SQUAD WITH THREE SUSPENSIONS
Sipho Chaine, Miguel Timm and Deon Hotto have all picked up four bookings this season. As a result, they must all now serve an automatic one-match suspension. That will necessitate a reshuffle throughout the spine of the side. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine has been a key operator for the Buccaneers with his ball-playing ability out of defence but he’s got an able deputy in the shape of Melusi Buthelezi. On-loan midfielder Thalente Mbatha has been a hit for Pirates and will come into the side in Timm’s place to anchor the engine room. Meanwhile, utility star Deon Hotto’s versatility and selflessness down the left flank are difficult to replace but skipper Innocent Maela should deputise there.
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