Gavin Hunt demands defensive improvement after Stellenbosch’s 3-3 draw

Stellenbosch FC coach Gavin Hunt criticised his side’s defending after they conceded three goals in a 3-3 draw with Polokwane City in the Betway Premiership, insisting they should have won after scoring three times away from home.

The entertaining match at Seshego Stadium in Polokwane saw the lead change hands several times, with both teams producing an open contest.

Polokwane City moved in front early through Giovanni Philander, but Stellenbosch FC responded with goals from Sinoxolo Kwayiba and Devin Titus to take a 2-1 lead into the visitors’ favour.

Surprise Manthosi then brought the hosts level before Raymond Daniels restored Polokwane City’s advantage with 15 minutes remaining.

Manthosi’s equaliser came after Stellenbosch FC failed to deal with a corner. Goalkeeper Sage Stephens appeared to flap at the delivery as the ball entered the penalty area, allowing the home side to punish the defensive lapse.

Stellenbosch FC avoided defeat when Ashley du Preez equalised on his return to his hometown club from Kaizer Chiefs. The striker scored with his first touch after coming on, but Hunt was frustrated that his team had not gone on to claim all three points.

“Nobody comes and scores three goals against Polokwane City and draws the game.You should be winning the game,” Hunt said.

“So,I mean,I’m disappointed to draw the game.I thought we were really good in the first half,played some good football.We really had them on the ropes in the first half.They came back,obviously.

“And then the disappointing goals we conceded,real soft goals.But they’re physical and they’re hard work inside.But as I say again,nobody comes here and scores three goals and draws.We’ve got to win a game like that.”

The point was Stellenbosch FC’s first of the 2025/26 campaign away from home. However, it followed a 1-0 defeat in their previous match, which had been played at their ‘home’ venue.

Hunt acknowledged the quality of his side’s attacking performance but said their defensive shortcomings remained a major concern as he begins his first full campaign in charge of the Maroons.

“Obviously lost last week 1-0.You know,to score three goals away from home like that some good goals is obviously good,” he said.

“But defending,a lot to be desired.And if you can’t defend in football,you’ve got no chance.Like I said,when I came here last year,we were conceding goals at the rate of a dozen.

“You can’t score three goals away from home and expect to not win the game.So,I mean,even at home,if you score three,you should be winning games.You’ve got to defend better.So,I’m disappointed from that aspect.”

Hunt now has limited time to address the problems at the back, with Stellenbosch FC due to play again on Friday evening.

The Maroons will host Marumo Gallants at Athlone Stadium as they seek their first league win of the campaign and an improvement on the defensive display that allowed Polokwane City to score three times.