Orlando Pirates’ new boy opens up about Hotto challenge as he starts ‘exciting and scary’ journey

Neo Rapoo is among the new players who Premier Soccer League champions Orlando Pirates have signed ahead of the new campaign starting in August.

The 20-year-old left-back joined from Siwelele FC as coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and his technical team want to ensure they have enough cover in the department. He will be competing with veteran Namibia international Deon Hotto as well as Nkosikhona Ndaba.

Others who have joined the Soweto giants are Mthetheleli Mthiyane (Stellenbosch FC), Sbangani Zulu (Richards Bay), Bohale Ngwato (Siwelele) Ghampani Lungu (Siwelele), Aphiwe Baliti (Siwelele) and Matome Mmolai (Leicesterford City).

Rapoo ready for new challenge

The youngster concedes it will be tough coming up against experienced heads, but insists he is ready for the task and the chance for a new chapter in his life.

“The standard is great,t and the intensity of training is on a very high level, and as a young footballer, you learn from guys like Deon Hotto, who is a great wingback. Now I need to work my way up and give my best every day,” he said as quoted by SABC Sport.

“It’s exciting and scary, but obviously it is the start of a new chapter, and I’m looking forward to it when the league starts,” he concluded.

Orlando Pirates’ exits so far

Here is the full list of the players Bucs have released ahead of the 2026/27 season where they will also challenge for the CAF Champions League.

Relebohile Mofokeng (Royale Union Saint-Gilloise), Gilberto, Karim Kimvuidi, Thabiso Lebitso (Stellenbosch), Tshegofatso Mabasa, Sipho Mbule, Bandile Shandu, Gomolemo Khoto (Sekhukhune United), Siyabonga Ndlozi (Sekhukhune United), and Tshepho Mashiloane (Sekhukhune United, Loan) have left.

Others who have been let go are Thabiso Sesane (Siwelele FC), Selaelo Rasebotja (Siwelele FC), Siyabonga Ndlozi (Sekhukhune United), Gomolemo Khoto (Sekhukhune United), Sonwabo Khumalo (Midlands), Blessing Ngiba (Midlands), Seth Green (Durban City) and Melusi Buthelezi (Sekhukhune United.