Orlando Pirates utility player Deon Hotto has not started the team’s last two matches with Nkosikhona Ndaba being preferred ahead of him.
Hotto has struggled this season at left-back leading to coach Abdeslam Ouaddou to give the new signing Ndaba a chance. The 23-year-old former Richards Bay defender has impressed so far and was even awarded Man of the Match against Golden Arrows last week.
Ouaddou has explained why Ndaba has featured back-to-back matches.
“You have seen the philosophy that we are using, rotating the players in order to have some freshness, competitiveness, and to protect the physical integrity,” the Pirates coach said as per FARPost.
Pirates coach benches Hotto for Ndaba
“We are playing many competitions, and Ndaba is part of the group of Orlando Pirates players who are able to give us something when called upon.
“I’m very happy, but like I said, consistency is very key; you cannot play two or three games well and then drop. I always say to my players that the consistency of their performances will bring them to the highest level,” Ouaddou added.
With Hotto on the bench, Ndaba impressed against Arrows and was rewarded a start against his former team this past weekend.
“He’s a young player that we need to trust, give him confidence, at the same time, we need to be careful not to burn these young talent. You need to know when to bring them and give them the right moment to improve.”
Former Pirates midfielder Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi praised Ndaba’s midweek performance.
“If Ndaba continues the way he’s currently playing, we will forget about Hotto, the Pirates legend told iDiski TV.
“I like how he positions himself at the back. The build-up and how he supports in that space where Moremi cuts in,” Vilakazi said.
“If he continues the way he played tonight, I don’t think we will be crying for Hotto. Im telling you.”