Hunt Tips Chiefs For League Glory
Stellenbosch coach Gavin Hunt believes Kaizer Chiefs have what it takes to win the Betway Premiership this season, despite having eliminated them from the Nedbank Cup on Wednesday night in a dramatic encounter.
Stellenbosch claimed a 2-1 win over Chiefs, a result that saw the Soweto giants dumped out of the competition and ended their hopes of defending the Nedbank Cup title this season.
Despite masterminding Chiefs’ exit, Hunt was generous in his assessment of the Naturena-based side and believes they have what it takes to go all the way in the league
campaign.
“We are going to the next game and play against Chiefs two or three weeks from now,” Hunt said.
“I think they (Kaizer Chiefs) can win the league this year because they have a good team with a lot of pace. They have a lot of creativity upfront, but for us, we have to work hard. “
The loss was another painful chapter for Chiefs against Stellies in cup competitions. It marked the second successive time the Cape Winelands outfit eliminated Amakhosi from the cup competition, after knocking them out in the Carling Knockout tournament round of 16 victory in October last year.
Chiefs’ struggles in cup competitions contrast with their long wait for league success.
The Phefeni Glamour Boys last lifted the league title in the 2014/15 season under the guidance of Stuart Baxter.
This season, however, they remain firmly in the race, currently sitting third in the Betway Premiership with 30 points after 15 matches, just two points behind second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns and five adrift of log leaders Orlando Pirates.
Turning attention to his own side, Hunt, who also coached Chiefs during the 2020/21 season, highlighted the contribution of his players and singled out new signing Wonderboy Makhubu for special praise following a standout performance.
Makhubu joined Stellenbosch in the January transfer window after signing from Sekhukhune United.
The 29-year-old recently made his debut for Stellies in their CAF Confederation Cup group stage loss to Algerian giants CR Belouizdad, and continued to impress against Chiefs despite failing to find the net.
“I think almost all players played really well in what we tried to do,” Hunt added.
“For me, the Man of the Match could have been Wonderboy Makhubu. I think he was good and that’s a proper striker, and in terms of what he did, he could have scored many goals, but he didn’t.
“A lot of players played well, but they are not fit. But we have to try and get them fit, and we will try on Sunday in Congo and also next week in Tanzania.”
Stellenbosch will now shift its focus to continental action, with its next assignment against the Congolese side AS Otoho, where it will look to build on this momentum.
Makhubu will once again be eager to continue his impressive displays as Stellies aim to secure a crucial victory on the road.
