‘It Was A Hindrance’: Hunt Unpacks Stellenbosch’s Nightmare Break Ahead Of Chiefs Clash
Stellenbosch coach Gavin Hunt admitted that a prolonged FIFA international break and a mounting injury list have hampered his side’s preparations as they prepare to face Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership.
The Cape Winelands outfit travelled to Johannesburg to take on Chiefs on Tuesday evening, marking the club’s first competitive fixture in nearly a month since their 1–0 victory over Kruger United on September 19.
The extended three-week international break did little to ease Hunt’s concerns on the injury front, creating a frustrating spell for his squad.
“It’s been a longer FIFA break than usual, so I think everyone is ready to play and ready to go, but it was a bit of a hindrance,” Hunt said on the club’s website.
“I think the whole world will feel that way because three weeks is a long time, and it’s very difficult to keep training for that amount of time and to stay motivated.
“Unfortunately, we weren’t really able to make the most of it either because we have so many players out – and that’s not to make excuses – but it’s been tough with so many out injured.”
Stellenbosch remain without several key players, including Mosa Lebusa, Surprise Nhlabathi, and Orlando Mbembe. Despite those absentees, Hunt remains eager to embrace the challenge of fielding a competitive lineup.
Compounding their challenges, Stellenbosch are also coping with stadium relocations. Danie Craven Stadium remains unavailable due to ongoing redevelopments, forcing the club to host their opening home match against AmaZulu in Durban before utilizing Athlone Stadium in Cape Town as a temporary home base.
Despite the logistical hurdles, Hunt insists his team is ready to confront the task in Johannesburg.
“It’s always a game that people are excited to play in,” he added.
“We’re looking forward to it and hoping there will be a nice crowd, which I am sure there will be. It’s another away game; it’s now six out of eight for us so far [including the home fixture played in Durban], but we have to face it, confront it, and get the best possible team out there from what we have available.
“The most important thing for us is to get a team out there that is fit to play. Our injury list is huge, and that detracts a little bit, but we will be competitive and that’s the most important thing.”
