South African Stellenbosch FC head coach Gavin Hunt has praised Kaizer Chiefs interim co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, crediting the duo for stabilising the club and overseeing an impressive run of results following a mid-season change in leadership.
Ben Youssef and Kaze were appointed after Nasreddine Nabi left the club by mutual consent, stepping into the role during a challenging period.
Since taking charge, the pair have guided Amakhosi to 30 points this season, a total that closely matches the 32 points the club managed across the entirety of last campaign.
Speaking ahead of Stellenbosch’s Nedbank Cup Last 32 encounter with Chiefs, Hunt acknowledged the progress made by the interim coaching team, pointing to their consistency and organisation as key factors behind the club’s recent form.
“I think if you look at this, they’re much more settled than we are,” Hunt stated.
He went on to explain the difficulties faced by his own side during the season, particularly in managing squad changes midway through the campaign.
“I mean, a lot of new players have come in. You don’t normally do a lot of activity in the middle [season] window, don’t you, so it’s difficult.”
Hunt added that while Stellenbosch had been forced to reinforce certain areas of the squad, those changes were made with a longer-term view in mind.
“But I think we needed to have a few players come in in certain areas which they came in, and certainly will help us in the long term.”
The Stellenbosch coach also highlighted the importance of cup fixtures as preparation for league challenges still to come.
“And obviously these type of games are good for us, especially when the league comes around. Because really, at the end of the day, we need to improve our league position, that’s for sure.”
Turning his attention back to Chiefs, Hunt underlined the defensive solidity and momentum built under the interim coaches.
“So they’re much more settled with their team and obviously they’re on a better run than us. They’ve won, I think, quite a few games now. They haven’t conceded many goals, which is testament to the coaching staff, the players, with everybody, really, they got it going.”
Hunt concluded by acknowledging the challenges faced by Chiefs earlier in the season and the impact made by the new technical leadership.
“Obviously, they lost their coach mid-season as well, early season, and these guys, the new coaches, have stepped in and done really a good job, in my opinion. You got to give them credit, that’s for sure.”
Stellenbosch and Kaizer Chiefs are set to meet in the Nedbank Cup Last 32, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 at DHL Stadium this evening.
