Coach Gavin Hunt reshaping Stellenbosch FC squad as Manafov departs on loan

Stellenbosch FC remain actively engaged in the transfer market as the weekend unfolds, with new coach Gavin Hunt persistently working to enhance the squad.

Hunt has recognised the challenges presented by the mid-season market, describing January as the “least favourable window” for acquiring talent from competing clubs. Nevertheless, the experienced coach is diligently pursuing recruitment opportunities while maintaining a pragmatic approach.

On Sunday, Stellenbosch confirmed that Turan Manafov has returned to his home country, Azerbaijan, where he will spend the remainder of the 2025/26 season on loan with Gabala FC, a leading outfit in the Azerbaijan Premier League.

The 27-year-old left-back joined Stellenbosch at the beginning of the current season and has made 10 appearances across the Betway Premiership, Carling Knockout and CAF Confederation Cup. Manafov arrived as part of former coach Steve Barker’s recruitment strategy to provide competition for Kazie Enninaya.

Hunt is actively working to create room for additional local signings. Despite having already secured notable players such as Tshegofatso Mabasa, Kobamelo Kodisang and Mosa Lebusa in the past week, Hunt emphasised that the club's transfer activity is far from complete.

The coach is focusing on acquiring players with proven PSL experience, as Stellenbosch seek to improve their standings in the second half of the season. Asekho Tiwani, a 20-year-old defender currently with Mamelodi Sundowns, is a key target. The former South Africa Under-20 international is highly regarded for his leadership qualities.

While reports have emerged claiming that Tiwani’s transfer to the Winelands club is a "done deal", CEO Rob Benadie indicated that negotiations were still underway with Sundowns’ sporting director, Flemming Berg.

“It seems information has prematurely circulated,” Benadie said.

Hunt started his tenure at the club with a fortuitous midweek league win at Sekhukhune United. Goalkeeper Sage Stephens stood like the proverbial Rock of Gibraltar between the sticks, single-handedly denying Sekhukhune on countless occasions.

Due to upcoming CAF Confederation Cup and Nedbank Cup commitments, Stellenbosch will only return to league action on February 18 against Magesi FC.

On Sunday, Hunt will be in the dugout in Algiers for the CAF Confederation Cup Group C encounter against CR Belouizdad at the 40 000-seater Nelson Mandela Stadium (kick-off 9pm). Stellenbosch will return to Cape Town on Tuesday after the PSL postponed their Betway Premiership match against Golden Arrows, originally scheduled for that day.

Next Sunday, Stellenbosch host CR Belouizdad in the return fixture. A week later, they play host again, this time to Congolese visitors AS Otohô. Following that, the club will host defending champions Kaizer Chiefs in the 2026 Nedbank Cup Round of 32 on a date yet to be finalised.