Durban City FC head coach Gavin Hunt has explained how the talks to sign Kaizer Chiefs striker Tashreeq Morris never materialised, a turn of events that ultimately paved the way for the club to sign Letsie Koapeng.
Hunt expressed his delight with the immediate impact of Koapeng, a player he chose to sign after the Morris deal proved shaky. The new Durban City forward made his debut appearance a few hours after the club announced his arrival.
Koapeng instantly announced himself after registering his first goal on debut. The former Orbit College FC striker opened the scoring in a 2-0 victory over Siwelele FC in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday evening.
Hunt spoke with delight about Koapeng, reflecting on their long-standing relationship. “Well, I have known him for how many years, 16/17 years since he was a kid. So I know what he can do and what he can’t do. So it’s exactly what we need, we need the ball to go up and to hold the ball in the right areas, and he can do that for us,” said Hunt.
The former Kaizer Chiefs coach added that Koapeng fits the bill perfectly concerning Durban City’s tactical approach.
“So we need that type of player, and Letsie can do that. He’s not prolific, but he certainly can do that job that we want to help the Trevors [Trevor Mokwena] and the young, inexperienced boys that we’ve got.”
HUNT REVEALS MORRIS TALKS PROMPTED KOAPENG DEAL
Hunt recently expressed interest in Chiefs striker Morris, with Durban City hoping to capitalise on the player’s uncertain future at the Soweto giants.
However, Hunt confirmed that talks eventually broke down after the club sent its bid to the Soweto giants. Hunt stated that while they had the option to continue pursuing the Morris deal, acquiring Koapeng seemed to be the more sensible choice.
“Yeah, there was [interest], but you know they stalled him on the deal, and I took Letsie. Letsie was available, and you know we had to make a decision, and that was my call. You know I can take Morris here tomorrow, it’s obviously now the budget and so on.”
Hunt went on to state that he’ll never be fully satisfied with his squad as long as there are better players available.
“Anywhere, any good player, anyone who’s better than my best player. If any coach tells you that they are done signing, then they shouldn’t be in the business. You should always be looking to improve your team.”
The Durban-based club have had one of the busiest transfer windows, acquiring high-profile players from rival PSL clubs. Luphumlo Sifumba and Kaltego Otladisa are two players close to signing permanent deals with the club.
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