Betway Premiership side Stellenbosch FC have announced veteran coach Gavin Hunt as the club’s new head coach.
This move comes after Steve Barker resigned as Stellies coach to join Tanzanian giants Simba SC earlier this month.
Hunt was shown the exit door from the KZN side at the beginning of this month. He left the team in mid-table in the Betway Premiership.
As previously reported by FARPost, the 61-year-old was dismissed from Durban City not due to performance issues, but because of significant internal disagreements concerning tactical changes and the club’s youth development goals.
On the 26th of December, Durban City appointed Sinethemba Badela as Hunt’s successor while welcoming back the well-travelled coach Ernst Middendorp as technical director, a role he previously held at the club.
Hunt has a mammoth task ahead of him as he has to work on getting the team out of the relegation zone and striving in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage. The Cape Winelands-based outfit is currently placed 14th on the Betway Premiership log standings with 12 points after 14 games.
STELLENBOSCH FC CEO ROB BENADIE ON GAVIN HUNT’S APPOINTMENT
Stellenbosch CEO Rob Benadie explained why the club decided to appoint Hunt as Barker’s replacement and believes they have got the right man in the four-time PSL-winning coach.
“We are delighted to welcome a coach of Gavin Hunt’s calibre and experience to Stellenbosch. So, we look forward to supporting him as we usher in a new era at the club,” said Benadie.
“We are proud of the quality of local and international candidates that applied for the position. But, after conducting a thorough process, our board is confident that we have secured the right Head Coach for Stellenbosch FC.
“A winner by nature, Hunt is the longest-serving coach in the PSL. He is one of the most decorated coaches in South Africa. He has a proven track record that aligns to the ambitions of the Club.
“His player-centric approach and intimate knowledge of Western Cape and South African football were also impressive to observe. This make him a natural fit in terms of aligning with the Club’s identity and long-term vision.”
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