Hunt Confirms Interest In Morris From Chiefs
Durban City coach Gavin Hunt has confirmed that he was interested in signing Kaizer Chiefs striker Tashreeq Morris, but the deal stalled.
Hunt stated that he had to move on and signed Letsie Koapeng, who had a fantastic debut for the club on Tuesday, scoring in a 2-0 victory against Siwelele FC at Chatsworth Stadium.
Hunt’s Failed Pursuit of Morris
Morris previously worked with Hunt at SuperSport United last season. He was then signed by Chiefs, but has not played for the club this season. His place in the starting lineup has become even more difficult after Chiefs signed several new strikers during the off-season, including Flavio da Silva, Khanyisa Mayo, Etiosa Ighodaro, and Ethan Chislet.
These new additions join Ashley du Preez in the squad.
“There was an interest, and they [Chiefs] stalled the deal,” Hunt said after City’s win.
“I took Letsie and Letsie was available [after he left Orbit College] because we had to make a decision, that is my call. I can’t take Morris tomorrow, but now the budget is gone.”
Morris’s contract with Chiefs is set to expire at the end of the season, meaning a reunion with Hunt could still happen.
Morris’s style of play, which involves occupying the box to receive crosses, aligns perfectly with Hunt’s tactical approach. This is the same style that helped Hunt win three league titles with SuperSport and three trophies with Bidvest Wits.
Koapeng as the Alternative
Hunt explained that Koapeng fits the team’s needs perfectly. “I have known him for how many years? Seven, eight years, since he was a kid,” Hunt said.
“I have known what he can do and what he can’t do. It is exactly what we need. We need the ball to go up and hold the ball in the right area, and he can do that for us.”
Hunt lamented the absence of a proper number nine, which he believes has been the team’s biggest problem. He even referenced veteran striker Bradley Grobler, who scored against Chiefs on Tuesday.
“As I always said, if we had Bradley Grobler, we could have won a few more games. You need that type of a player,” Hunt said. He acknowledged that while Koapeng may not be a prolific goalscorer, he can fulfill the role needed to support the team’s younger players.
