Relegation-threatened Betway Premiership side SuperSport United has appointed an interim coach following the sudden departure of Gavin Hunt.
The Tshwane outfit parted ways with the experienced Hunt on Friday, Human Rights Day, following a series of disappointing league results this season. The Matsatsatsa management decision, which FARPost had reported the previous day, marks the end of Hunt’s second tenure at the club.
He rejoined SuperSport in July 2022, the same club he had previously led to three consecutive league titles between 2008 and 2010 before leaving and winning the Premiership with now-defunct Bidvest Wits.
With Hunt out the exit door at Matsatsantsa, Andre Arendse has taken over on an interim basis, with Grant Johnson, the goalkeeper coach, serving as his assistant, the club confirmed in a statement.
With SuperSport languishing second from bottom of the table and facing serious relegation threats, Arendse, formerly Hunt’s assistant coach, has been tasked with steering them out of the relegation zone.
This season, which began with trophy aspirations, has been disastrous for SuperSport. 10 losses in 21 league games and early exits from the MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup, and Nedbank Cup have dashed hopes of silverware and a top-eight finish.
A brief morale boost came with a 4-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs last month, but the team has failed to replicate that performance. Since then, they have suffered league defeats to Magesi FC and TS Galaxy and were eliminated from the Nedbank Cup on penalties by Orlando Pirates.
SUPERSPORT UNITED ISSUE STATEMENT ON GAVIN HUNT
Following a board meeting on Thursday, as reported by Sunday World, the decision was made to terminate the coach’s contract with immediate effect.
“SuperSport United FC and Head Coach Gavin Hunt have reached a mutual agreement to part ways with immediate effect,” reads the club statement.
“This was Hunt’s second stint for Matsatsantsa, which lasted two and a half seasons, with the team finishing 3rd in the 2022/23 season and 7th in the 2023/24 season in the league competition. The 60-year-old Hunt achieved a special milestone in February this year, having reached 1,000 PSL Games as Head Coach, which is a first in South African football and is unlikely to be easily surpassed.
“The board and management of the Club have expressed their appreciation to Hunt for the work he had done as Head Coach over many years.
“We remain convinced that Gavin still has much to contribute to South African and African football, given his extensive knowledge and experience, and will always remain grateful for the impact he has had on the club and South African football. We wish Gavin well in his future endeavours.
“Andre Arendse will serve as an interim Head Coach, with Goalkeeper Coach Grant Johnson as his assistant.”
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