The Buccaneers claimed a 1-0 victory over Babina Noko at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, with Hotto producing a moment of quality to decide a tightly contested semi-final with a spectacular and he ended up as the man-of-the-match.
The result gives the defending champions a valuable advantage heading into the second leg at the Orlando Amstel Arena next weekend.
However, Pirates must first face Sekhukhune again in a Betway Premiership encounter on Tuesday, meaning the two sides will meet three times within the space of 10 days.
Hotto admits the unusual schedule presents a challenge but insists Pirates are focused on taking each match as it comes.
“Facing the same team in three matches, it’s something crazy,” said Hotto.
“But we came here today (Saturday) and we did the job. The next one is at the Arena, and we know what we need to do. We just take it one game at a time.”
READ: Orlando Pirates take advantage into MTN8 semi-final second-leg
The MTN8 remains a particularly special competition for Hotto, who has lifted the trophy five times with Pirates since joining the Soweto giants ahead of their 2020/21 triumph.
The veteran also praised his team’s ability to adapt to the conditions in Polokwane, with Sekhukhune opting for a compact pitch at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
“It was a difficult game. They brought us onto a small pitch because they wanted to squeeze us. But at the end of the day, we have a very good technical team and a very good team. We exploited the space that we wanted and I got my first goal in the MTN8. I’m grateful,” he said.
“I just want to thank the man above and the support I’m getting from my teammates and the technical staff.”
Pirates will now turn their attention to Tuesday’s league encounter against Sekhukhune before the decisive MTN8 semifinal second leg next Sunday.