SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt has revealed the secret to his longevity and success in the PSL, saying he focuses on one game at a time and avoids looking too far ahead.

Hunt’s SuperSport side crushed Kaizer Chiefs 4-1 at FNB Stadium on Tuesday, marking his 999th game in the top flight. Since beginning his top-flight coaching career in the 1998-99 season, he has coached every season without interruption.

Hunt’s playing career, which began in 1981 with Hellenic, was cut short by an Achilles injury in 1992. He transitioned directly into coaching, starting with Seven Stars.

The media in the 1998-99 season recalled Hunt, the “fiery full-back” at Hellenic, returning to familiar territory. He had played over 300 games for the club under his mentor, Budgie Bryne, who was also his father-in-law.

Hunt gained valuable coaching experience at Seven Stars, leading them to promotion to the top flight in the 1997-98 season from the First Division Coastal Stream, alongside Dynamos, who were promoted from the Inland Stream. This success led to an interview for the Mamelodi Sundowns coaching position the following season.

However, Hunt chose to rejoin Hellenic in December 1998, but faced a difficult period as the team struggled. He credits Bryne for much of his success but acknowledges the loneliness of the job when results are poor.

“I don’t know, I just try to take the next game and don’t get too ahead of yourself,” Hunt said, reluctant to elaborate further. “Just take the next game; you can’t think too far ahead.”

While Hunt has won the league title four times, along with the SAA Supa 8, MTN8, and Telkom Knockout trophies, he considers promoting Seven Stars in the 1997-98 season the highlight of his career.

Throughout his career, Hunt has also coached Black Leopards, Moroka Swallows, Bidvest Wits, Kaizer Chiefs, and Chippa United. He did not finish the season with the latter two clubs, a rare occurrence in his coaching career.

His success has led to previous links with the Bafana Bafana job, which never materialized.

Hunt has been named PSL Coach of the Season five times, most recently in the 2016-17 season when he led Bidvest Wits to the league title.

In his 999 games as a coach, Hunt has won 416, drawn 287, and lost 296. His teams have scored 1291 goals and conceded 1037.