Ahead of the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch FC, Deon Hotto has opened up on his transformation from a winger into an important wingback for Orlando Pirates, under the tutelage of Jose Riveiro.
Hotto has arguably been Pirates' most important player this season, having started and finished all of the 10 matches played across all competitions so far.
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He was even voted Man of the Match in an MTN8 semi-final, second leg victory over Cape Town City.
Once a speedy attacking winger for Bidvest Wits, he has since matured into a reliable utility player in the two-and-a-half seasons since Riveiro joined the side.
Speaking to journalists ahead of the MTN8 final taking place on Saturday, the Namibian said he was grateful to the head coach for his transformation.
"It is why the club has appointed him, to bring happiness to the club, and I believe we can all see the [kind of] football he has brought to the football club, his accolades also," noted Hotto.
"For me, transforming into the player that I am now, the role I am playing in the club, I am grateful for the transformation that he has given me in the seasons he has been here.
"The brand of football that he is playing, because it's a role that I have been playing for a couple of years and I'm gelling well under his wings."
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Hotto and Co. will be aiming to make history as the first team to win three consecutive MTN8 titles.
In Stellies, though, they meet a side that has proven to be a hard nut to crack for the Soweto giants. The Winelands-based outfit has won three of the two teams' recent four meetings.
Kick-off for the R10 million showpiece at Moses Mabhida Stadium is 18:00.