Durban City FC head coach Gavin Hunt has hinted at a potential U-turn on the club’s interest in former Orlando Pirates striker Zakhele Lepasa.
Hunt has emphasised the need for a few more additions to his thin squad as Durban City begins its first season back in the top flight.
The club, which was automatically promoted after winning the Motsepe Foundation Championship, rebranded from Maritzburg United and is looking to continue to strengthen its roster for the 2025/26 campaign.
While Hunt is determined to bring in new players, the ex-Kaizer Chiefs mentor stressed that he is not looking to create a large squad. Instead, he prefers a smaller, more effective team.
“Less is better,” said Hunt while speaking to the media after his Durban City FC troops played to a 1-1 draw in the KZN Derby against Golden Arrows at Chatsworth Stadium on Tuesday night.
“Any team that is successful anywhere in the world of football will use fewer players. Too many players, too many problems. I don’t want that kind of squad. We obviously do need one or two more players to help us fill the bench, and we are trying desperately for those.”
GAVIN HUNT GIVES UP ON ZAKHALE LEAPSA CHASE
Hunt was candid about the club’s initial interest in Lepasa as the transfer window draws to a close. However, his update on the situation was vague and suggested that their pursuit of the player has cooled.
“I didn’t actually speak to him,” Hunt said. “The chairman [Farouk Kadodia] spoke to the agent, and I don’t know what’s happened there, but obviously he did not play enough there the whole tournament [CHAN with Bafana Bafana], so I don’t know.”
Lepasa featured in two of Bafana Bafana’s three group stage matches at the 2025 CHAN tournament, coming on as a second-half substitute in both appearances.
Speaking in a seemingly apathetic tone, he further expanded on the matter, “I don’t know, but I think we’ve moved on, and everything’s moved on from there. What you should do if you’re a player looking for a contract is step out of the camp, shouldn’t you? But there were eight or nine, so, anyway.”
While the deal for Lepasa remains uncertain, FARPost can confirm that Durban City is actively pursuing other players. Coach Hunt has also confirmed that he has held direct talks with Lebohang Maboe, expressing his strong interest in bringing the player to the club.
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