REVEALED: Why Hotto rejected Sundowns for Pirates!

Orlando Pirates managed to beat stiff competition from Mamelodi Sundowns to land Bidvest Wits winger Deon Hotto, and it has now been revealed why the player opted to join the Buccaneers instead.

Read: Chiefs write to FIFA asking for permission to sign players

Hotto, and his captain and teammate Thulani Hlatshwayo were courted by the Brazilians following news that Wits had been sold to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM), though both players are thought to have chosen Bucs because of better offers.

Wits defender, Thulani Hlatshwayo, is set to join Orlando Pirates
Bidvest Wits captain Thulani Hlatshwayo
(Image: Briefly SA)

“Pitso Mosimane was really interested in Hotto,” a source revealed, according to Independent Media.

“After Wits granted Sundowns an agreement to engage with Hotto, the Sundowns coach phoned Hotto several times.

“His agent met with Patrice Motsepe but that was not enough. The player just chose Pirates because of the good offer that Pirates offered on the table. It was good money.

“Hotto together with his agent met with Dr Irvin Khoza. The chairman explained the history of the club to Hotto and his knowledge of Namibia.”

Masandawana are said to have tried everything in their power to try and lure the 29-year-old Swakopmund-born speedster to Chloorkop, and were still beaten to his services by the Sea Robbers.

“Sundowns promised that Hotto was going to get more bonuses if they win cup and Pirates offered him more salary,” the source added.

“Sundowns went as far as explaining how bonuses he will get if they qualify for the Fifa Club World Cup. They didn’t want to upper their offer. What they were offering was almost similar to what he was earning at Wits.

“It was the same thing with Thulani Hlatshwayo. Pirates chairman doubled his salary. He was serious about Thulani. That’s why they agreed a deal.

“Both Hotto and Thulani have agreed a three year deal. Sundowns don’t want to pay, that’s why they couldn’t get top earners at Wits.

“Look they [Sundowns] got Ricardo Goos, Haashim Domingo and Gift Motupa. These are good footballers who are still trying to establish themselves. They were not top earners at Wits.

“That’s how Pirates won the race for Hotto and Hlatshwayo. They are now going after Thabang Monare and Sifiso Hlanti,” the source further explained.