Pirates winger Hotto on catching Sundowns: ‘It’s not over yet’
Bucs are 18 points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in PSL title race
15 February 2022 - 18:16
byMarc Strydom
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Deon Hotto of Orlando Pirates is challenged by Oussama Bellatrache of JS Saoura in the Caf Confederation Cup Group B match at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on the February 13 2022. Picture: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates should not give up on the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title race even though they are a 18 points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, Bucs winger Deon Hotto says.
Pirates return to PSL action from the Christmas and Africa Cup of Nations break against Lamontville Golden Arrows at Orlando Stadium Stadium on Wednesday (kickoff: 7.30pm).
Hotto might get some stick for his view on the treacherous social media platforms.
Strangely enough — as he was talking at Monday’s Nedbank Cup draw — Downs had a 17-point lead over second-placed Pirates, and within hours the Brazilians had been held to an unexpected draw, and just a point gained, against Baroka FC at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Just their sixth draw of the season, added to just one defeat, in 21 matches left Downs at 48 points, 18 points clear of Pirates.
Bucs — 30 points from 19 games — have shown signs of finding form, and they also have two games in hand over the Brazilians, which, translated to maximum points, would see Pirates still 12 points adrift of the Pretoria leaders as the league season approaches its final third.
Hotto, though, was adamant the race is not over just yet. The Namibian was asked if, given that realistically Pirates are out of the league title race, the Nedbank tournament becomes the Buccaneers focus for the second half of 2021-2022.
“No, no, no,” the winger said. “It’s not over until it’s done. You have to believe. But, coming to the Nedbank, it’s a cup where we want to go all the way and lift it.”
Asked to confirm if he still believes Pirates have any chance to reel Downs in, Hotto said: “It [the league race] is not guaranteed yet. Definitely, yes [Pirates have a chance]. We must have the belief. It [Sundowns’ lead] looks unstoppable until it is unstoppable.
“We still have the belief. Seventeen points is a bit difficult, but we’ll see at the end.”
Pirates, who saw off AmaZulu 1-0 in the Nedbank last-32 on February 6, were drawn to meet the league’s 11th-placed side, Marumo Gallants, away.
Bucs beat Algeria’s JS Saoura 2-0 on Sunday to get their Caf Confederation Cup group B campaign off to a winning start.
That was an impressive fourth win in a row, amid 13 league and cup games with just one defeat, for the Buccaneers.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Pirates winger Hotto on catching Sundowns: ‘It’s not over yet’
Bucs are 18 points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in PSL title race
Orlando Pirates should not give up on the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title race even though they are a 18 points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, Bucs winger Deon Hotto says.
Pirates return to PSL action from the Christmas and Africa Cup of Nations break against Lamontville Golden Arrows at Orlando Stadium Stadium on Wednesday (kickoff: 7.30pm).
Hotto might get some stick for his view on the treacherous social media platforms.
Strangely enough — as he was talking at Monday’s Nedbank Cup draw — Downs had a 17-point lead over second-placed Pirates, and within hours the Brazilians had been held to an unexpected draw, and just a point gained, against Baroka FC at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Just their sixth draw of the season, added to just one defeat, in 21 matches left Downs at 48 points, 18 points clear of Pirates.
Bucs — 30 points from 19 games — have shown signs of finding form, and they also have two games in hand over the Brazilians, which, translated to maximum points, would see Pirates still 12 points adrift of the Pretoria leaders as the league season approaches its final third.
Hotto, though, was adamant the race is not over just yet. The Namibian was asked if, given that realistically Pirates are out of the league title race, the Nedbank tournament becomes the Buccaneers focus for the second half of 2021-2022.
“No, no, no,” the winger said. “It’s not over until it’s done. You have to believe. But, coming to the Nedbank, it’s a cup where we want to go all the way and lift it.”
Asked to confirm if he still believes Pirates have any chance to reel Downs in, Hotto said: “It [the league race] is not guaranteed yet. Definitely, yes [Pirates have a chance]. We must have the belief. It [Sundowns’ lead] looks unstoppable until it is unstoppable.
“We still have the belief. Seventeen points is a bit difficult, but we’ll see at the end.”
Pirates, who saw off AmaZulu 1-0 in the Nedbank last-32 on February 6, were drawn to meet the league’s 11th-placed side, Marumo Gallants, away.
Bucs beat Algeria’s JS Saoura 2-0 on Sunday to get their Caf Confederation Cup group B campaign off to a winning start.
That was an impressive fourth win in a row, amid 13 league and cup games with just one defeat, for the Buccaneers.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most Read
Related Articles
Sundowns take extended squad to Champions League base in Egypt
Downcast Dolly says he joined Chiefs to win trophies
Pirates begin Caf Confederation Cup campaign on winning note
Man United manager Rangnick scratching his head in frustration
Sundowns ready for marathon trip on the continent
Fabinho strike earns Liverpool battling win at Burnley
Baxter explains reasons for selections in Chiefs’ cup defeat to TS Galaxy
Published by Arena Holdings and distributed with the Financial Mail on the last Thursday of every month except December and January.