Orlando Pirates will report back for the start of their pre-season on Friday with Deon Hotto carrying the heaviest load from last season.
Pirates will return on Friday for what will mark the start of their preparations for the new season which will include setting base in Marbella, Spain from July 8-20 with Abdeslam Ouaddou calling the shots as the new head coach.
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Hotto played the most football under former coach Jose Riveiro standing as the only player with over 100 appearances in the three years that the Spaniard was at Pirates.
In mind of Pirates returning on Friday, what will be of interest will be the load that the Namibian carried last season in relation to how much he plays next season.
The 34-year-old defied all reservations related to age in the game, loading 4300 minutes putting him ahead of Sipho Chaine (4250 minutes) and Relebohile Mofokeng (4165 minutes).
Hotto’s minutes were spread over 49 appearances which came with 14 goals/assists playing largely at left-back.
The minutes-count for Hotto was the most at the club through the last decade and has been a factor in earning an extension.
Hotto is now due to remain at Pirates past his next two birthdays on a package which keeps him on the top table at the club.
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This comes on the back of North African interest.
The new season will also start with Hotto as one of two oldest players in the Pirates dressing room.
Photo: Philip Maeta/Gallo Images
