Orlando Pirates News Today: Hotto to Europe? Transfer updates & more

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Orlando Pirates News Today: Hotto to Europe? Transfer updates & more

Latest Orlando Pirates news, in the last 24 hours, including the possibility that Deon Hotto might play in Europe with Namibia, Thalente Mbatha returning alongside Evidence Makgopa? Kabelo Dlamini lauded and more.

Hotto to Europe!

Orlando Pirates star Deon Hotto could soon be set for a trip to Europe, as Namibia have now confirmed a friendly game in Russia in October.

Namibia national team coach Collin Benjamin has confirmed that his side will travel to Russia to face their national team in an international friendly match.

The match will take place on Saturday, 3 October, in Yekaterinburg, and it follows Namibia’s two qualifying matches against Congo and Comoros.

Namibia national team coach Collin Benjamin has confirmed that his side will travel to Russia to face their national team in an international friendly match.

The match will take place on Saturday, 3 October in Yekaterinburg, and it follows Namibia’s two qualifying matches against Congo and Comoros.

Although Benjamin is expected to reveal his squad soon, Hotto remains a highly likely inclusion in the team.

“These are the kind of competitive exposure our players need on a regular to increase the pressure, the experience and competitiveness making them ready to face other their peers at Continental level in the CAF/Africa Cup of Nations,” Benjamin told the Namibia Football Federation website.

Deon Hotto and Andre de Jong Orlando Pirates
Image – Pirates

“For us, it is critical that our players continue challenging themselves to the limit.

“Playing in different parts of the world, especially against highly rated National Teams, contributes significantly to their ongoing development; and this allow the technical team to assess the endurance, stamina and level of pressure the Team can with-stand under extreme pressure.”

Positive news on Mbatha and Makgopa

Orlando Pirates have given a positive update on the duo of Thalente Mbatha & Evidence Makgopa.

“Midfielder Thalente Mbatha meanwhile continues to edge closer to a return to full training alongside striker Evidence Makgopa,” the club announced.

Dlamini lauded by Ouaddou

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has praised Kabelo Dlamini’s attitude as the midfielder continues his recovery from a lengthy injury lay-off.

Dlamini, 30, has returned to full training after being sidelined since November 2025, with the Buccaneers now hoping to have one of their most creative players available again.

Kabelo Dlamini of Orlando Pirates.
Kabelo Dlamini of Orlando Pirates. Photo: Orlando Pirates

The playmaker has made 187 appearances for Pirates, contributing 21 goals and 23 assists during his time at the club and will now have major importance after the exits of Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi.

“Dlamini is making a great effort every day to come back and to be available for the team. I appreciate the spirit he is showing in training every day,” Ouaddou told the media.

“He’s important, so much creativity, can find passes not everyone can find in small spaces, quick decision-making, and in this area of the game we need players who can make decisions before receiving the ball.

“I don’t want to compare him to Zinedine Zidane, not a quick player, but he knew what he wanted before receiving the ball.”

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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