Hunt Hits Back At ‘Outdated’ Claims After Durban City Exit
Stellenbosch coach Gavin Hunt says he remains puzzled by the circumstances surrounding his dismissal at Durban City, amid claims he was considered “outdated” by the club.
Hunt was fired in December following a defeat to Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium, just months after joining the club during the off-season.
Sources within City suggested that Hunt did not fully embrace the use of data analysis and was reluctant to rely on performance analysts — factors the club believed were hindering progress.
He was replaced by Sinethemba Badela on 26 December. However, Badela’s tenure lasted just 44 days, during which he won two matches and lost one before also being dismissed.
Now back in Durban with Stellenbosch — who were knocked out of the Nedbank Cup round of 16 by Golden Arrows this past weekend — Hunt was asked to reflect on what went wrong at his former club.
The experienced coach declined to go into detail but expressed surprise at criticism directed at him, pointing out that the team had been clear of relegation in their first season after gaining promotion to the PSL.
“How are they safe? I don’t want to go there. Sorry, Robin,” Hunt responded.
Hunt, who succeeded long-serving coach Steve Barker at the Cape Winelands outfit in December, will lead Stellenbosch at FNB Stadium on Tuesday when they visit Kaizer Chiefs, aiming to move further away from the relegation zone.
The four-time league winner said he is supported by capable staff at Stellenbosch and that everyone at the club understands the challenges they face.
“It’s a good club with good people, but obviously it hasn’t been a great season,” said Hunt.
“In the league, we collected four points from two matches when we were at the bottom of the table, and that has helped us climb up.
“Against Golden Arrows, it was a fantastic performance. The people who work here are realistic about the situation.”
Hunt will be without striker Wonderboy Makhubu and Thabo Moloisane due to suspension for the clash against Chiefs. Mosa Lebusa is injured, which poses a challenge at the back. However, there is a strong possibility that Olisa Ndah could be available, pending the issuance of his work permit by the Department of Home Affairs.
