Stellenbosch FC’s new head coach, Gavin Hunt, has immediately revamped the squad with four players leaving, while six new faces have arrived as they look to climb the Betway Premiership table from 12th.
The departures included Azerbaijani left-back Turan Manafov, who returned to Gabala FC on loan. Former TS Galaxy midfielder Thato Khiba joined Sekhukhune United following 43 appearances.
Winger Sanele Barns reunited with Richards Bay, while Lesiba Nku moved on to Sekhukhune United. Lehlohonolo Mojela had already left before Hunt’s arrival, clearing even more space in the squad.
RESTORING STELLENBOSCH FC’S DIRECT STYLE
Incoming signings have been headlined by Tshegofatso Mabasa, who joined on a six-month loan from Orlando Pirates to provide a goalscoring spark up front.
In Hunt’s vision of restoring Stellenbosch’s direct style of play, Asekho Tiwani steps in at left-back, effectively replacing Manafov, while wingers Kobamelo Kodisang and Shakeel April take over the roles previously held by Barns and Nku.
In the heart of defence, Mosa Lebusa brings veteran leadership after seven years at Mamelodi Sundowns.
Wonderboy Makhubu, signed permanently from Sekhukhune United, comes in as a goal-scoring and direct number 10 and winger. Wayde Jooste, at right-back, had joined a week before Hunt officially arrived, rounding out the squad changes.
Hunt has already begun shaping results. In his first league match in charge, Stellenbosch secured a 1–0 away win over Sekhukhune United, lifting them to 12th place and four points clear of the relegation zone.
“Their CAF Confederation Cup campaign, however, has been tougher. Back-to-back defeats to CR Belouizdad—2-0 away and 3-0 at home—have left them at the bottom of Group B.
Meanwhile, the club has also beefed up the revered DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] reserve team with two new exciting talents: Solethu Mabhenu and Cazwill Williams.
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