Orlando Pirates Deon Hotto PSL Kaizer Chiefs

Deon Hotto is looking forward to achieving “big things” at Orlando Pirates this season under new Spanish coach Jose Riveiro. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Pirates’ Deon Hotto disagrees with Ncikazi on Sundowns

Orlando Pirates’ Mandla Ncikazi and Deon Hotto are not singing from the same hymn sheet. Are Bucs chasing Mamelodi Sundowns or not?

Orlando Pirates Deon Hotto PSL Kaizer Chiefs

Deon Hotto is looking forward to achieving “big things” at Orlando Pirates this season under new Spanish coach Jose Riveiro. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Orlando Pirates’ coach Ncikazi said the title race is over, but Hotto sees the opposite. Who are we going to believe now?

ORLANDO PIRATES CAMP CONFUSES FANS ON DSTV PREMIERSHIP RACE BEHIND MAMELODI SUNDOWNS

Looking at the table right now, the Soweto giants are 17 points behind log-leaders Sundowns, while Pirates have 30 more points to play.

As The South African reported earlier this week, Ncikazi may have hugely upset the club’s fanbase when he said Mamelodi Sundowns have already won the 2021/22 league title. 

“We just have to focus on ourselves and try and gather as many points as possible and get Pirates to the right level, try and play the type of football that is related to the club,” Ncikazi said via Soccer Laduma.

“I know the gap is too big between us and [Mamelodi] Sundowns but we just have to focus on ourselves.

“It is only Sundowns who can take the cup out of their cabinet for competition – but I think the cup is already in their cabinet,” he added. Read the full story here.

HOTTO SAYS THE OPPOSITE

While many Pirates fans have been left furious after the coach’s comments, Deon Hotto has meanwhile said what many will applaud.

According to the Namibian forward, the league race is now over. Sundowns are flying high but football is all about belief, spirit, and fight.

“No, no, no, it’s not over until it’s done. You have to believe. It (the league) is not guaranteed yet. Definitely, yes (we have a chance),” Hotto said via the Citizen.

“We must have the belief. It (the lead Downs have opened) looks unstoppable until it is unstoppable.

“We still have the belief. Seventeen points is a bit difficult, but we’ll see at the end,” concluded the former Golden Arrows and Bidvest Wits winger.

Meanwhile, Pirates’ next DStv Premiership battle is against Cape Town City next Friday 25 February.

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