SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt, who recently found himself at the center of speculation surrounding the potential signing of midfielder Keagan Dolly, denies any knowledge of the player being poised to join the club.

The 31-year-old midfielder was released by Kaizer Chiefs alongside Sfiso Hlanti, Siyethemba Sithebe, and Njabulo Ngcobo at the end of last season.

He was the subject of numerous transfer rumors pointing to the possibility of him joining SuperSport. However, Hunt has firmly denied any knowledge or involvement in these discussions.

“I knew nothing about Keagan Dolly, so don’t get me there,” Hunt stated emphatically when questioned about the matter. 

Instead, he explained the club’s decision to sign Vincent Pule, a player who became available at a crucial time, after he was released by Orlando Pirates.

“Pule became available, we needed a left-side player. Vincent came off contract, so that’s what happened.”

This statement appears to be at odds with remarks made by SuperSport’s CEO, Stan Matthews, who confirmed that the final decision between signing Dolly or Pule ultimately rested with Hunt. 

“He feels Vincent can play wide left, as a 10, he knows his training, his pressing style, he knows what Gavin wants from him, and I think maybe Gavin was a bit uncertain. We did the medical and he was fine… but when it came down to a selection of A or B, it was the coach’s call, and I look to try and close up what he wants, and he wanted Vincent,” Matthews explained.

Despite the conflicting narratives, Hunt remains focused on his team’s performance and future. He praised SuperSport’s aggressive approach in the transfer market, highlighting key signings like Ricardo Goss and Nyiko Mobbie. “We brought a few in which will certainly add value but we are still short. We need two players which we are obviously trying to work hard on at the moment. We still have our youth, the future of the club. A lot of players have left. 13 or 14 left, we brought in six or seven,” Hunt elaborated.

Hunt’s commitment to strengthening the squad while nurturing young talent demonstrates his strategic vision for the Tshwane giants. His emphasis on the club’s future and the aggressive pursuit of key players indicates a determined effort to build a competitive team.

While the rumors about Dolly’s potential move to the club have been firmly quashed by Hunt, the club’s strategic acquisitions and forward-thinking approach signal a promising season ahead. 

The focus now shifts to how these new signings will integrate and perform under Hunt’s guidance, as SuperSport aims to make a significant impact in the upcoming season. They open the 2024/25 season away against Pirates in the MTN8 quarter final on Saturday.