Deon Hotto Receives Namibia Call-Up on 36th Birthday as Brave Warriors Prepare for Cameroon Tests

Orlando Pirates veteran Deon Hotto has received another international call-up after being named in Namibia's squad for two important 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Cameroon.

The announcement came on the winger's 36th birthday, providing another milestone in a career that continues to demonstrate remarkable longevity at both club and international level.

Hotto remains a trusted figure for Namibia head coach Collin Benjamin, who has once again included the experienced campaigner as the Brave Warriors prepare for a challenging double-header against Cameroon in November.

The two sides are scheduled to meet on November 12, with Namibia listed as the away team, before facing each other again on November 16 in Gaborone. The fixtures could prove significant in shaping Namibia's ambitions in the race to qualify for the 2027 AFCON tournament.

For Hotto, the latest selection represents his seventh AFCON qualifying campaign with the national team. It also marks the 15th year of his international career, underlining the consistency and dedication that have kept him involved with the Brave Warriors for more than a decade.

His international record speaks to his importance. Hotto has accumulated 84 caps for Namibia and scored 12 goals, establishing himself as one of the country's experienced senior players.

His influence has also remained evident at club level, where he continues to feature prominently for Orlando Pirates.

Now entering his seventh season with the Soweto giants, Hotto has made 257 appearances in 283 matches since joining the club. That means he has featured in approximately 90 per cent of the matches played by Pirates during his time at the club, a statistic that reflects his availability and value to the team.

The winger has continued to demonstrate his qualities despite advancing in age, combining experience, tactical awareness and versatility to remain an important option for the Buccaneers.

His recent appearance against Milford FC in midweek provided another opportunity to showcase his abilities, reinforcing the impression that he still has plenty to offer.

Benjamin's decision to retain Hotto in the national setup is therefore a reflection of the value that experienced players can bring to an international squad. Beyond his performances on the pitch, his years of service provide valuable leadership and familiarity with the demands of representing Namibia.

The upcoming matches against Cameroon will offer another demanding test for the Brave Warriors. Facing an established African football nation twice in a short period will require discipline, concentration and experience throughout the squad.

For Hotto, however, the latest call-up is another opportunity to contribute to his country's ambitions while extending an international career that has already spanned 15 years.

At 36, the Orlando Pirates star continues to earn his place in the national team. His birthday may mark another year, but his latest selection suggests that his international journey is far from over.

Source:https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2115794773592219935?a=YDdyGRlK7mOtM9Wfqwc&s=19