After accusations that Orlando Pirates left-back Deon Hotto was Jose Riveiro's favourite, the Namibian has emerged as the most valuable player again amidst the poor start under Abdeslam Ouaddou.
Hotto hardly missed minutes on the pitch under Riveiro, played in various positions, with his commitment and high work-rate showing why the Spanish coach depended on his so much.
With three games played so far under Ouaddou, the soon-to-be 35-year-old has risen his hand as the MVP in the team, as stars such as Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi and Sipho Mbule have not been consistent.
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The Namibian, according to performance statistics by soccer24 was rated Pirates' best player in consecutive losses against Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants.
The former Bidvest Wits full-back was also rated the third-best Buccaneer player in their opening win over Polokwane City, given a mark of 7.7/10, only second to Appollis' 8.5/10.
Hotto was the only Pirates player with a rating of at least 7/10 in the defeat against Sekhukhune United and also came out as the leading Bucs player with a rating of 7.8/10.
Ahead of the crucial encounter against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final first-leg, if Ouaddou would need a soldier who can preserve his job, it has to be none other the Nambian, who has an average rating of 7,5 /10, above the stars playing up top.
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Maswanganyi, according to the same stats has been the second best performer for Ezimnyama so far, with his only blemish being a 6.1/10 rating in a defeat to Sekhukhune.
Otherwise 'Tito' was the rated the second-best Pirates player in their win over Rise and Shine with a rating of 7.8/10 while he was only second to Hotto following a loss against Siwelele Sa Marumo with a mark of 7.3/10.
Pirates' struggles could continue against Sundowns, if either Hotto or Maswanganyi drop their level, with Appollis still adjusting while there are accusations that Mofokeng has not been the same this season, with transfer rumours intensifying.
