Stellenbosch FC head coach Gavin Hunt has named the unsung hero in his side’s 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership at FNB Stadium on Tuesday.
The Winelands-based side produced an impressive performance against Chiefs to collect maximum points as they aim to move out of the bottom half of the league table. The 2023 Carling Knockout Cup champions are sitting 11th on the log standings with 19 points in 17 matches.
Stellenbosch came from a goal down and overturned the scoreline to claim a 2-1 win against the Soweto giants. Chiefs opened the scoring in the first-half before Stellies netted two goals through Langelihle Phili and Devin Titus in the second stanza.
In the current campaign, Stellenbosch have beaten Chiefs three times with wins in the Carling Knockout Cup, Nedbank Cup, and the recent victory in the Premiership.
The Western Cape-based side had a slow start to the match with Chiefs dominating the opening exchanges and creating a handful of scoring opportunities. However, Stellenbosch capitilised on Amakhosi’s missed chances to snatch maximum points on the road.
HUNT HEAPS OF PRAISES ON CHUMANI BUTSAKA AFTER CHIEFS WIN
In a match against Chiefs, Hunt made a surprise substitution after taking off Wayde Jooste in the first-half to bring in Chumani Butsaka, who is a natural central midfielder. The 24-year-old star, who joined Stellenbosch from Cape Town Spurs in July 2024, came and played a major role in the middle of the park.
Butsaka played a crucial role in breaking the Chiefs’ attack and perfectly linking defense with attack for Stellenbosch. The talented midfielder who captained Spurs a few seasons ago has featured in 24 matches in the 2025/26 season, scored one goal, and provided one assist.
Following his decent display against Chiefs, Gavin Hunt showered Butsaka with praise, stating that the Cape Town-born midfielder was the big difference in pulling off a major win against the Naturena-based side.
“The player who changed the game is Chumani Butsaka. I thought he was the difference in the game.” Hunt said. “He is a really good player, and he’s somebody that can do more for us, but he has to improve in certain areas, and he will do.”
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