By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Stellenbosch FC have appointed Gavin Hunt as the new head coach following the departure of Steve Barker, the Winelands club confirmed on Tuesday.
Hunt’s first match in charge of Stellenbosch FC is scheduled for 20 January, when the team faces Sekhukhune United in a Betway Premiership fixture.
“We are delighted to welcome a coach of Gavin Hunt’s calibre and experience to Stellenbosch and look forward to supporting him as we usher in a new era at the Club, “Stellenbosch CEO Rob Benadie said.
“We are proud of the quality of local and international candidates that applied for the position and, after conducting a thorough process, our board is confident that we have secured the right Head Coach for Stellenbosch FC.
“A winner by nature, Gavin is the longest-serving coach in the PSL and one of the most decorated coaches in South African football, with a proven track record that aligns with the ambitions of the Club.
He will be tasked with guiding Stellenbosch up the Betway Premiership table after a surprisingly poor start to the campaign that leaves them third bottom, and steering the club into the knockout rounds of the CAF Confederation Cup.
“I am honoured to be joining Stellenbosch FC at this exciting time,” Hunt said. “This is a forward-thinking Club with a clear vision, and from my first conversations with the CEO and staff, I could sense the ambition and the support structures that are in place. This is crucial for any coach who wants to succeed.
“Stellenbosch have built something special in recent years, and I am motivated to build on that foundation. There’s plenty of work ahead of us, but I am energised by the challenge.
“The Winelands deserve success, and I am committed to giving everything I have to bring silverware and memorable moments to our supporters.”
Hunt remarkable 28-season run has included four league championships – three with SuperSport between 2008-2010 and one at Bidvest Wits in 2017.
Hunt has also won cup honours with Moroka Swallows, SuperSport and Wits and took the Cape Town club Seven Stars, where he gave teenager Benni McCarthy his debut, to promotion in the 1998/99 season.
He has also coached at Hellenic, Black Leopards, Moroka Swallows, SuperSport, Wits, Chippa United, Kaizer Chiefs and Durban City.