Deon Hotto, Namibia and Orlando Pirates’ famous midfielder, reached another milestone with the launch of the Deon Hotto Foundation at the Windhoek Country Club on Thursday.
It was a wonderful evening graced by Hotto, his wife, Sasha, his father, Daniel Kavendji and stepmother, Amanda, as well as other family members and friends when Hotto launched his foundation in style by pledging N$2 million.
At the end of the evening a further million had been pledged, giving the foundation, which aims to build a world-class stadium and sport facilities at Mondesa, Swakopmund, a great boost.
Several guests travelled from South Africa, including his agent, Manchini Motloung, also known as ‘Mr M’, who praised Hotto as an exceptional player and person in his speech.
Other friends and sporting personalities like former and current Brave Warriors coaches Ricardo Mannetti and Collin Benjamin also gave speeches in recognition of Hotto’s great discipline and example that he sets for his compatriots.
Hotto praised his father for the role he played in his life.
“I just want to thank someone very special that’s on the stage here: my dad, mister Daniel Kavendji. He’s the man who has made Deon Hotto, grounded me.
“He taught me a lot of discipline, and to be humble with everyone. All the credit goes to him. He made me the person I am today,” he said.
Hotto then surprised the guests when he called Peter Shalulile to the stage.
“Peter Shalulile is here, he’s younger than me, but I have learnt a lot from him. He’s a God-fearing guy. He’s someone who’s always with me when we are in South Africa.
“We do a lot of hard work behind the scenes together. People don’t know this, but we train together, he visits my house, and I go to his house often.
“He’s not just a teammate to me, he’s a brother to me, so I’m just thankful that he managed to be here tonight.”
The deputy minister of sport, youth and national service, Emma Kantema-Gaomas, congratulated Hotto on the launch of his foundation.
“What you have done today demonstrates that your contribution to your country does not start and stop on the field of play – it starts with the community you are from, and this for me is really an example worth emulating, and I’m encouraging other athletes to follow in the footsteps of the Frank Fredericks of this world, who is running a similar foundation,” she said.
“It’s such an honour and privilege to be here tonight to witness another milestone. The Deon Hotto Foundation will not only pledge N$2million – it may sound like only N$2 million, but what you are going to do for a child from Mondesa is way more, and I can only wish you the best,” Kantema-Gaomas said.
She mentioned three key takeaways of the evening.
“Fistly, your attitude determines your altitude and what you do. Secondly, it’s determination – we heard you give 200% on the field, which we all can attest to, and thirdly, to be a humble servant we are all called upon to be.
“We are very proud of you. Continue doing your good work and empowering the community you hail from,” Kantema-Gaomas said.
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