Stellenbosch FC head coach Gavin Hunt has explained why his club opted against signing former Kaizer Chiefs defender Happy Mashiane, after the left-back spent a few weeks training with the Winelands-based side.
Mashiane resurfaced at Stellenbosch after parting ways with Chiefs, who terminated his contract at the end of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season following his struggles for game time.
The talented left-back left Amakhosi after spending seven years with the senior team, having originally come through the club’s development structures back in 2019.
Mashiane had his fair share of ups and downs in his attempt to establish himself as a regular starter at Chiefs, battling injuries and stiff competition, among other challenges.
The 28-year-old was also sent out on loan to Siwelele FC to search for regular playing minutes under Lehlohonolo Seema; however, his situation did not improve, and he was limited to just one appearance.
At Chiefs, Mashiane made 69 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing five assists. The Soweto giants ultimately decided to cut ties with the Tembisa-born star after he fell out of favour at the club.
WHAT GAVIN HUNT SAID ABOUT HAPPY MASHIANE
Mashiane is currently in search of a new club in a bid to get his career back on track in South Africa’s top flight. He had an opportunity to train with Stellies, where he was looking to earn a contract under a familiar face in Gavin Hunt, who previously coached the defender at Chiefs.
However, the experienced coach decided against offering Mashiane a contract, stating that the former SA junior international hasn’t played much football over the past few years, whereas Stellenbosch are looking for players who are ready to compete immediately.
“He [Mashiane] came for a trial, but again, he hasn’t played football for four years. In the four years since I left there, he hasn’t played more than five games,” Gavin Hunt said.
“So he needs to get back to playing, and that’s exactly what I told him. He needs to find a team and try to play 30 games a season. It’s going to take time for him, and we need somebody right now.”
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