From Durban City to Stellies: Gavin Hunt’s next big test

Stellenbosch FC have been searching for momentum since the start of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, and the arrival of veteran coach Gavin Hunt could be the spark they need to find their rhythm again.

The former Durban City coach returned to the top flight barely a month after his short stint with the KwaZulu-Natal outfit ended, having guided them to an eighth-place finish with a respectable 19 points from 14 matches before both parties went their separate ways earlier this season.

It was a start many teams would have welcomed, particularly a side returning to the top flight after promotion from the First Division. Stellenbosch, however, struggled to find the same momentum and went into the international break optimistic yet uncomfortably close to the danger zone.

Steve Barker led the Winelands side to what will forever be remembered as one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, especially considering they are still a growing outfit that has often overachieved. That success inevitably raised expectations, particularly after the heights reached in the previous campaign.

The Lesotho-born coach has since shifted his focus to another demanding role with Tanzanian giants Simba SC, while Hunt’s immediate task will be to inject improvement into his new side and restore them to the growing force they have been over the past few seasons.

Here, we will break down some of the key areas that will require the new Stellies coach's urgent attention.

Immediate need to move clear of relegation

The Betway Premiership is highly competitive and unforgiving when consistency dips, something Hunt knows all too well from his time at SuperSport United. Last season, his former side battled to escape the relegation zone and only secured their top-flight status in the closing moments of the campaign, a struggle that ultimately cost him his job.

With 14 matches played and just 12 points collected, Stellies still have 16 games to make up ground. While a coaching change mid-season is never ideal, it presents a fresh start they must capitalise on, particularly with only five points separating them from ninth-placed Richards Bay FC, who have played the same number of matches.

Defence and attack need shaping

Having conceded 18 goals while scoring just ten so far this season, Stellies have been inconsistent at both ends of the pitch, with their inability to keep clean sheets demanding urgent attention.

Currently boasting the fourth-worst defensive record in the league, Hunt will know that tightening things up at the back is key. Addressing those defensive lapses could unlock greater freedom going forward and translate into more positive results.

Finding balance between Confederation Cup and domestic football

One of the main reasons Stellies opted for an experienced coach is the need for someone who can hit the ground running, as they can ill afford further poor runs in either the CAF Confederation Cup or the league—the two competitions that have fuelled their rise over the past two seasons.

Hunt’s last involvement in continental football came in 2021 with Kaizer Chiefs, and with the opportunity to reaffirm his pedigree, it will be crucial for him to quickly find a formula that works and ensures a smooth transition in his new role.