Jose Riveiro’s departure from the head coach job at Orlando Pirates after three years has come with only one player having surpassed 100 appearances under the Spaniard.
Pirates played 141 matches since Riveiro took over, famously winning five trophies.
READ | Riveiro: I’m not perfect, I’m not an angel, I’m from the lowest of the lowest
His first game was a win against Moroka Swallows at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, August 6, 2022, and his last also a victory over Golden Arrows on Tuesday.
Throughout that time, Deon Hotto piled up 132 appearances under the Al Ahly coach-in-waiting.
This means it was only in nine matches that Hotto didn’t get to play.
That puts the Namibian’s contribution at just over 93%.
While Hotto will never be the favourite of all, his commitment to the game explains why Riveiro – who worked with him every day at training – always had the 34-year-old on his team list, be it at left-back, left-wing, or left midfield.
Hotto has never wasted his chances and just this season has double figures in his combined goals/assists.
Six goals and nine assists has been his contribution, playing with energy from left-back this season.
This has been an improvement from the eight goals/assists that he managed last term, having contributed five in Riveiro’s first year.
Hotto is one of two players, along with Nkosinathi Sibisi, to have played in all six cup finals under Riveiro.
READ | REMINDER: Chiefs still rule the roost in being the cup kings
He also had similar numbers under Josef Zinnabuer and Mandla Ncikazi/Fadlu Davids.
Riveiro also had Kabelo Dlamini, Sipho Chaine, Sibisi, Tapelo Xoki, Monnapule Saleng, Patrick Maswanganyi, Makhehlene Makhaula, and Evidence Makgopa all playing at least 70 games under his guidance.
