Hunt Appointed New Stellenbosch Head Coach
Stellenbosch has confirmed the appointment of Gavin Hunt as the club’s new head coach.
Hunt replaces Steve Barker, who has left the club to join Tanzanian giants Simba SC in one of the more surprising moves in the PSL.
The four-time league-winning coach had been without a club after parting ways with Durban City earlier this month following a 1–0 defeat to Orlando Pirates.
Stellenbosch FC CEO Rob Benadie welcomed the appointment, praising Hunt’s pedigree and experience.
“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,” said Benadie.
“We are proud of the quality of both local and international candidates who 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, Hunt is the longest-serving coach in the PSL and one of the most decorated coaches in South Africa. He has a proven track record that aligns with the ambitions of the club.
“His player-centric approach and intimate knowledge of Western Cape and South African football were also impressive and make him a natural fit with the club’s identity and long-term vision.”
Reacting to his appointment, Hunt expressed his excitement about the challenge ahead.
“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 strong support structures in place. That 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.”
The 61-year-old tactician arrives as one of the most decorated coaches in South African football history, boasting four Premiership titles, two Nedbank Cups, an MTN8 trophy, a Telkom Knockout triumph, and six PSL Coach of the Season awards.
A Cape Town native, Hunt enjoyed a 13-year professional playing career before transitioning into coaching with local sides Seven Stars and Hellenic. He has been involved in every top-flight season in South Africa since the 1998–99 campaign.
Earlier this year, Hunt became the first coach to reach the milestone of 1,000 matches in the Premier Soccer League, capping off a remarkable 30-year coaching career that has included stints at Black Leopards, Moroka Swallows, SuperSport United, Bidvest Wits, Kaizer Chiefs, Chippa United, and most recently, Durban City.
Hunt is set to take charge of his first match on 20 January 2026, when Stellenbosch travel to the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane to face Sekhukhune United in a Betway Premiership encounter.
