Hotto winning on and off the pitch || The Southern Times

Windhoek - Namibia and Orlando Pirates midfielder Deon Hotto is making significant strides on and off the pitch.

Fresh from playing a key role in helping Orlando Pirates clinch silverware for the first time in five years, the soccer star has also been roped into Standard Bank’s IT CAN BE campaign , which seeks to inspire young people to pursue their dreams.

Last Saturday, Hotto scored a beauty in the MTN 8 final to instigate a comeback against Bloemfontein Celtic. The game ended 2-1 in Orlando Pirates’ favour.

“God is the greatest! What a special moment with a great group of players! CHAMPIONS. Focus back on to the next game! Thanks to all the Pirates supporters supporting us from home. Mask up,” Hotto tweeted after the match.

Away from the field of play, Hotto has added one of the biggest financial institutions in Namibia to his burgeoning portfolio, by partnering Standard Bank.

“To every Namibian and African kid, don’t ever give up on your dreams. Your circumstances can only inspire you to work towards your dreams. Thank you Standard Bank of Namibia for believing and joining me on this great journey to inspire the next generation,” he said. “If you believe, it can be.”

Hotto came from humble beginnings and has risen to become one of the most sought after players in Southern Africa. After leaving the now defunct Bidvest Football Club, the big three of the South African Premier Soccer League - Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, and Orlando Pirates – jostled for his signature.

He settled for Orlando, where he is reportedly earning R500,000 (about US$33,500) a month, making him one of the highest paid footballers in Africa.

Hotto has a lucrative deal with Adidas, becoming the first Namibian athlete to be endorsed by the huge German sportswear brand.