SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt has ruled out the possibility of signing Keagan Dolly due to the player’s substantial salary demands.

While Dolly has been training with the club since his release from Kaizer Chiefs, Hunt has made it clear that the financial constraints of the team prevent them from pursuing the talented forward.

Dolly, who has been without a club since the end of the previous season, has found temporary refuge at SuperSport. Hunt, with a touch of humor, has suggested that Dolly’s presence is beneficial in bolstering the club’s training numbers.

The coach has been grappling with a significant number of injuries, including long-term absences for strikers Bradley Grobler and Grant Magerman.

To address the void left by these injuries, Hunt has signed former Cape Town Spurs striker Tashreeq Morris, who was also released by Sekhukhune United. Additionally, SuperSport has acquired Abubeker Nasir from Mamelodi Sundowns on a season-long loan.

“I can’t, financially, the club is not going to say (to me sign him),” said Hunt on Thursday when asked about Dolly. 

“There are so many clubs who do that and allow ex-players train. When the guy phones you, ex-player, served the game well, so he is training with our squad because it is so small. 

“So, he adds numbers to make it seven-v-seven, otherwise it is five-v-five. So, at least they make seven- v-seven or eight-v-eight in a small, sided game.” 

When pressed on whether he would consider making a move for Dolly, Hunt was evasive. “You know the answer,” he replied. “I can’t answer that question.”

The injuries to Magerman and Grobler, particularly Grobler who has been a key goal-scorer, have had a significant impact on SuperSport’s performance. The team has struggled in recent matches, losing four out of six games played this season. As a result, they currently occupy the 13th position in the Betway Premiership with only four points.

SuperSport will face a stern test this weekend when they host Kaizer Chiefs at Peter Mokaba Stadium. This will be the second encounter between the two teams in a week, following their 4-0 defeat in the Carling Knockout round of 16. Hunt’s side will enter the match with added pressure after a 2-0 loss to Orlando Pirates in their previous league fixture on Tuesday.