Hunt Defends Keet Signing, Cites Aerial Prowess
Durban City coach Gavin Hunt asserts that only those with a keen “tactical eye” will truly understand the club’s decision to sign veteran goalkeeper Darren Keet.
Hunt firmly believes Keet is the best goalkeeper in the country when it comes to dealing with crosses into the box, even though he joins from a recently relegated Cape Town City.
Hunt is actively strengthening City’s squad following their promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship last season.
He aims to build a team that can confidently navigate the top flight. From Hunt’s perspective, Keet’s age is merely a number, as the 35-year-old featured in 37 matches across all competitions last season for City, keeping an impressive 15 clean sheets.
Hunt on Keet’s Qualities and Availability
“He is one of the best goalkeepers in South Africa in defending the crosses,” Hunt stated. “You can put the ball up there, he will take it.”
When pressed by the media about the rationale behind signing Keet, Hunt, in his characteristic straightforward manner, quickly replied, “He is free,” which drew laughter from the journalists present.
Hunt made these comments after City’s 1-0 loss to Richards Bay in the KZN Premier’s Cup final at Umhlathuze Stadium on Sunday.
A History of Success Together
Hunt and Keet share a successful history, having previously worked together at Bidvest Wits. Keet played a pivotal role in Wits securing a remarkable double in the 2016/17 season, winning both the MTN8 and the Betway Premiership title.
During that campaign, Keet, affectionately known as “Popaye,” recorded 14 clean sheets in 27 matches and was deservingly named the PSL Goalkeeper of the Season, while Hunt earned Coach of the Season honors.
The duo continued their success the following season, clinching the Carling Knockout trophy with Wits against the now-defunct Bloemfontein Celtic in KwaMashu, Durban.
Internationally, Keet has earned 13 caps for Bafana Bafana. He was part of the national team squad that faced Nigeria in the quarterfinals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
