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Pirates learnt from Raja setback, says Hotto

Orlando Pirates learnt lessons on how to manoeuvre the Caf Confederation Cup and are experienced to go all the way and lift the trophy, winger Deon Hotto said ahead of Friday’s showdown with RS Berkane of Morocco.

The Soweto giants face-off with the 2020 Caf Confederation Cup champions, Berkane, at the Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria. Hotto admits they are ready and have learned from last year’s exit after being eliminated by Raja Casablanca in the quarter-final.

“We learned a lot from last season; when Raja Casablanca knocked us out, we now have experience, which is why we are in the final. We face a team with a good coach with good tactics, but we are ready for them,” said the Namibian international.

The Namibia international also highlighted the importance of winning trophies with the Orlando Pirates.

“I aimed to win silverware when I joined (Orlando) Pirates. Last season we won the MTN 8, and this year, we only have the CAF Confederation Cup to win since other competitions are out of our reach,” he added.

The introduction of VAR in CAF Competitions on the continent is something Hotto has mixed feelings over heading into the final.

“The VAR, for me, works both for and against teams playing, it can go against your team, and sometimes it can benefit you, but I don’t want to go into it,” added the 31-year-old winger.

Should Orlando Pirates win the competition, they will pocket prize money of US$1.25 million [R20 million].

By Nelson Mabela

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