Gavin Hunt frustrated by Stellenbosch FC’s lack of match-fit new signings

Stellenbosch FC manager Gavin Hunt says the late arrival and lack of fitness of several new signings has left him unable to use them fully as the season gets under way.

Hunt was speaking after Stellenbosch came from behind to draw 3-3 with Polokwane City in the league at Seshego on Tuesday.

The coach introduced at least three debutants during the match, with strikers Ashley Du Preez and Bradley Grobler among those given an opportunity in the final 11 minutes.

Du Preez, who is beginning his second spell with Stellenbosch FC, made an immediate impact. His first touch after coming on produced the goal that earned his side a point.

Although Hunt was pleased to avoid defeat, he admitted he remained frustrated by the circumstances surrounding the new arrivals. Several players joined the club late, have had little or no training with the team and have not been able to build up their fitness before being called upon.

“Problem is Ashley hasn’t done any training,” said Hunt.

“You know, I can’t play them. They got 20 minutes or so. Bradley [Grobler] hasn’t done any training; Ashley hasn’t done any training. Given [Msimango] you know he’s… [Mosa] Lebusa, we got half a team. We got a team out here.

“You know we’ve signed, the players have gone and come, but the players who are gone were at least fit. The players who were brought in they’ve done no training. So, it’s a problem for me, and the season is upon us.

“But you know with our business been done late through no fault of any of us or whatever, obviously five weeks or six weeks of training. Then players come the last week. It’s difficult for me as a coach, and then obviously to play like away all the time.

“Well, you can train them as much, but there’s no practice games. Normally, practice games give you a little bit of 20/40, 50/60, 70/80, minutes. You build them up as the pre-season goes on and now you’ve thrown them straight in. At least one of them got a goal at a first touch, unbelievable.”

Hunt said the situation had been made more difficult by the lack of pre-season matches, which would normally allow new players to increase their playing time gradually.

Instead of working through a sequence of controlled periods on the pitch, the late signings have been forced to enter competitive matches without the usual preparation. Hunt said players would typically be built up through 20, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80-minute spells during pre-season.

The Stellenbosch FC manager also pointed to the demands of playing away from home while attempting to integrate a group of players who have only just arrived. He said training sessions alone could not replicate the fitness and understanding gained through practice games.

Stellenbosch FC’s draw with Polokwane City followed a match in which the visitors had to fight back to secure a result. Du Preez’s late equaliser ensured that his return to the club began with a goal, despite his limited preparation.

The article was published by iDiski Times, whose digital newspaper is available free of charge. Readers can download it using the provided button or complete the form to receive it each week.