Pirates unveil experienced duo from Wits

Orlando Pirates have unveiled new signings Thulani Hlatshwayo and Deon Hotto following their arrival from BidVest Wits.

The pair were expected to link up with The Buccaneers following the sale of Wits’ franchise, with Bafana Bafana captain Hlatshwayo beefing up the defence and Namibia international winger Hotto providing an attacking threat from wide areas.

“We are pleased to welcome Thulani and Deon to the Club,” Pirates chairman Dr Irvin Khoza said in a statement. “These are two players who have a proven pedigree both at club and international level and we are confident that they will complement the team that we have assembled. I must thank all those who were involved in the negotiations.”

Pirates have been chasing the signature of Hlatshwayo, 30, for a number of seasons and finally got their man when Wits sold their franchise to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhadila, allowing the players to opt out of a move to Limpopo.

Hotto, 28, brings both goals and assists, and has also turned out for Bloemfontein Celtic and Lamontville Golden Arrows in South Africa’s top-flight.