“I’d Be Third On The Log”: Hunt’s Unfiltered Take On His Impact At Durban City And Stellies

Stellenbosch coach Gavin Hunt reflected proudly on the work he has done with both the club and Durban City, boldly claiming that had he not been dismissed, City would currently be sitting third on the table.

Hunt was speaking after Stellenbosch’s goalless draw against Durban City at Chatsworth Stadium on Friday, a result he felt dented their hopes of climbing further up the standings.

True to his trademark bluntness, Hunt insisted City would have been even higher on the table had he remained in charge.

Hunt was dismissed by Durban City in December following a defeat to Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Pitso Dladla initially took over as caretaker coach and was in charge for one match before the club appointed Sinethemba Badela on Christmas Day.

Badela oversaw three matches, suffering only one defeat, but the club ultimately felt the direction and style of play were not aligned with their vision.

Dladla was then reinstated on an interim basis until the end of the season, and City have remained inside the top eight ever since.

“We had to win tonight [Friday],” lamented Hunt.

“We had to win. We can still win the last two games [against Orbit College and Marumo Gallants], but I just don’t think it will be enough. Still, we’ve done well to get out of the relegation zone.

“When I arrived here [at Stellenbosch], we had 12 points. When I left Durban City, we had 22 points. They are safe because we made this team safe.

“That’s two teams made safe in one season.”

Since Hunt’s departure, Durban City have gone on to win the Nedbank Cup, beating TS Galaxy at Peter Mokaba Stadium last weekend to claim the club’s first major top-flight trophy.

Asked whether that achievement served as recognition of his contribution, Hunt responded in typical fashion, refusing to change his tune.

“I would have been third on the table,” he said without hesitation.

“If you combine the points I accumulated with one team, I would have been third on the table. Not bad, hey?

“It’s been hard and it’s been a struggle, but we got out of it, and now we’ll try to rebuild again next season.”

Stellenbosch are 10th in the Betway Premiership table with 33 points after 28 matches.