Gavin Hunt questions process for choosing Bafana Bafana’s next coach

Stellenbosch FC head coach Gavin Hunt has questioned the way the South African Football Association (SAFA) will select Hugo Broos’ successor, saying the process of appointing both the decision-makers and the next Bafana Bafana coach will be crucial to protecting the national team’s recent progress.

Broos’ five-year spell in charge officially ended on Friday, leaving SAFA preparing to name a new coach. The association is expected to announce its choice this coming Saturday.

Hunt, who has managed several South African clubs, said the identity of the person chosen to lead Bafana Bafana would be important, but argued that the people responsible for making the appointment also needed to be scrutinised.

“It all depends on who they appoint, you know. That’s the first thing,” said Hunt.

“And also, who’s appointing people? That’s the first problem, isn’t it?”

Hunt was speaking about SAFA’s search while continuing his work as head coach of Stellenbosch FC in the Betway Premiership. He also referred to his own experience of recruitment processes, saying he had taken part in three interviews and had seen the individuals conducting them.

“I’ve been in three interviews, and I’ve seen the people that interview. So, good luck…”

A number of coaches are reported to have applied for the vacant Bafana Bafana position. The group is understood to include local candidates, while former South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane is among the names strongly linked with a return to the national-team role.

Hunt was asked whether he had put his own name forward for consideration. Rather than confirming an application, he challenged the idea that coaches should have to apply for the position and said the national team coach should instead be identified and approached directly.

“Why should you apply? They should be [headhunting]. Exactly, exactly,” he responded.

The appointment will bring an end to the uncertainty surrounding the role following Broos’ departure after five years in charge. SAFA’s decision is due to be announced on Saturday, with the new coach expected to take responsibility for maintaining the progress made by Bafana Bafana during the Belgian’s tenure.

Hunt’s comments place particular emphasis on the structure behind the appointment, rather than only the credentials of the candidates being considered. His view is that the process begins with the people selecting the coach and that the quality of that process will influence the national team’s direction.

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