Stellenbosch CEO Open To Extending Hunt’s Contract
Stellenbosch CEO Rob Benadie has revealed that coach Gavin Hunt is contracted until the end of the season, but the club is open to extending his stay if results remain positive and both parties are happy.
Hunt was appointed in December following the shock departure of Steve Barker, who left to take charge of Tanzanian side Simba SC.
Barker had spent eight years at the club, guiding Stellenbosch to promotion to the PSL top flight in the 2017/18 season. He later led the team to their first top-flight trophy, winning the Carling Knockout in the 2023/24 campaign. He also secured back-to-back top-three finishes, qualifying the club for the CAF Confederation Cup, where they reached the semi-finals last season before being eliminated by Simba.
In addition, Barker guided Stellenbosch to two MTN8 finals — last season and the current campaign — but lost both to Orlando Pirates.
When Barker departed in December, Stellenbosch were struggling near the bottom of the table. However, Hunt — who had parted ways with Durban City around the same time — has steadied the ship. The team now sits 10th in the Betway Premiership with 25 points from 21 matches, following a draw against Golden Arrows on Wednesday.
“Gavin’s initial contract runs until the end of the season, and then we have options to move forward,” said Benadie.
“I think you know our club well enough — if things are going well, we will back our people. Whether you’re the head coach, assistant coach, goalkeeping coach or analyst, we aim to work with you.
“Both Gavin and the club agreed to take it until the end of the season. We are trying to survive, so let’s see how it goes — whether he fits the club, whether he enjoys it, and whether we are happy with him.
“It’s a good relationship so far. It’s had a positive start, and we hope it continues for a long time.”
Hunt, a four-time league title winner, has gone seven league matches unbeaten since taking charge of Stellenbosch.
“The most important thing at any football club is being given the opportunity to work, coach and build a team. If you’re given that chance, you can succeed,” said Hunt.
“In football, you often don’t get much time. But it’s important that we get to the end of May and then reassess the situation.
“There’s still a lot of work to be done, but it’s a very good club to work for — fantastic, in fact.”
