“One day we had to take him from police cells to play for us the next day” — Elton Katangolo on Deon Hotto
By TUW
Before becoming an established Orlando Pirates veteran and one of Namibia’s recognised footballers, Deon Hotto had to overcome a challenging childhood in the township, according to his former mentor.
Elton Katangolo, who served as Hotto’s mentor and chairman at former club Blue Boys, says football became an important escape for the player after he lost his mother at a young age and was forced to navigate difficult circumstances on his own.
Katangolo recalled just how demanding Hotto’s early years were, revealing that there was even an occasion when the youngster had to be collected from police custody so he could turn out for the team the following day.
“Football was the only ticket out of the township for him. He lost his mom at a young age, and he had to fend for himself under trying circumstances,” Katangolo said.
He added that the police officers understood the situation when the club needed Hotto to play, allowing the player to return to football.
Katangolo believes those experiences played a major role in developing Hotto’s mentality and determination, ultimately helping him progress from difficult beginnings in Namibia to a career at the highest level of Southern African football.
“Where we come from here in Namibia is part of what carries him,” Katangolo added.
Hotto’s journey from the Namibian township environment to becoming a long-serving Orlando Pirates player is a testament to the challenges he overcame and the role football played in changing the direction of his life.
