Stellenbosch FC head coach Gavin Hunt has hailed an “unsung hero” following his side’s 2-1 comeback victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership at FNB Stadium on Tuesday.
The Winelands-based outfit produced a resilient display to secure maximum points, boosting their bid to climb out of the bottom half of the table. The 2023 Carling Knockout Cup champions currently sit 11th in the standings, with 19 points from 17 matches.
After falling behind in the first half, Stellies overturned the deficit with second-half strikes from Langelihle Phili and Devin Titus. This result marks a dominant season for Stellenbosch over the Soweto giants, having now beaten Chiefs three times across the Carling Knockout, Nedbank Cup, and Premiership.
Despite a slow start where Amakhosi dominated the opening exchanges, Stellenbosch punished Chiefs for their missed opportunities to snatch a vital win on the road.
HUNT PRAISES CHUMANI BUTSAKA AFTER CHIEFS WIN
During the match against Chiefs, Hunt made a bold tactical move by replacing Wayde Jooste in the first half with Chumani Butsaka. Despite being a natural central midfielder, the 24-year-old—who joined Stellenbosch from Cape Town Spurs in July 2024—immediately asserted himself in the middle of the park.
Butsaka was pivotal in breaking down the Chiefs’ attack and seamlessly linking defence to offence. The former CT Spurs captain has been a mainstay this season at Stellies, featuring in 24 matches during the 2025/26 campaign with a goal and an assist to his name.
Following his impressive display, Hunt praised the Cape Town-born midfielder as the catalyst for the victory over the Naturena-based side. “The player who changed the game is Chumani Butsaka; I thought he was the difference,” said Hunt.
“He is a top talent who can do even more for us, provided he continues to improve in certain areas—which he will.”
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