Former PSL midfield workhorse Cole Alexander has explained why Gavin Hunt has made an immediate impact at Stellenbosch FC, with the coach lifting Stellies from the relegation zone to fighting for a top-eight finish in just six games.
Stellenbosch FC faced a crisis in December 2025 when they lost long-serving head coach Steve Barker to Tanzanian heavyweights Simba SC. At the time of his departure, the Maroons were languishing in a precarious 14th position on the log, having endured a dismal run of form that included eight defeats in just 14 Betway Premiership outings.
To extinguish the flames of a potential relegation battle, the Cape Winelands outfit turned to veteran tactician and four-time PSL champion Gavin Hunt. The ‘Hunt Effect’ was instantaneous; in his first six fixtures at the helm, the former SuperSport United mentor secured crucial 1-0 victories over both Sekhukhune United and AmaZulu FC.
His tenure so far also included hard-fought draws against Siwelele FC and Magesi FC, alongside a standout 2-1 triumph over Kaizer Chiefs. Despite a solitary 2-1 setback against Polokwane City FC, Hunt’s remarkable six-game haul successfully propelled the club from the depths of 14th place up to the safety of ninth on the standings.
COLE ALEXANDER: GAVIN HUNT IS THE MASTER OF GETTING RESULTS
According to Hunt’s former player Cole Alexander, Stellies hit a masterstroke with the appointment of the Cape-born coach.
“Gavin is someone who can get results,” Alexander told FARPost with a laugh. “If you ask anybody in the country what Gavin can do, they will tell you Gavin can get results.
“It is his own unique strength. Not everyone might agree with his methods or how he achieves his results, but at the end of the day, football is a business driven by demands and expectations. He meets those expectations exceptionally well, so I am not at all surprised by how he has managed to lift Stellenbosch out of the bottom of the log.
“I believe the club and Gavin complement each other perfectly, especially in terms of how the organisation is run and its development structures. Gavin brings a specific edge to that foundation, resulting in a powerful combination of factors. Together, I’m confident they will make Stellenbosch and Cape Town football flourish.
“Furthermore, he possesses a deep understanding and a natural connection with Cape-based players. Gavin built the foundations of his career in this exact environment at clubs like Hellenic and Seven Stars. Cape Town is his birthplace; it is home for him,” Alexander concluded.
RELATED STORY: Gavin Hunt: CAF helped us to prepare for the league dog-fight