Gavin Hunt reveals impact of losing Stellenbosch FC stars Phili and Titus

Stellenbosch FC head coach Gavin Hunt says the departures of Langelihle Phili and Devin Titus at the start of the 2026/27 season forced him to rebuild his attack at short notice.

Stellenbosch FC have regularly lost important players in recent seasons, but had expected to retain most of the squad they depended on for this campaign.

That plan changed when Kaizer Chiefs moved for Phili shortly before the season began. Phili had completed Stellenbosch FC’s entire pre-season but left during the week of their opening fixture.

Titus remained for the first two league matches against AmaZulu FC and scored in the 3-3 draw with Polokwane City. However, he was confirmed as a Maghreb Fes player the following morning, leaving Hunt with limited time to find replacements before the transfer window closed.

Speaking during the Carling Knockout draw, Hunt said his experience had helped him respond to the sudden losses and reshape the team.

“I lost my two biggest attacking weapons Phili and Titus; Phili left the week of the first game; he did the whole pre-season; Titus left after the second game, the Tuesday night we played against Polokwane City; he left on Wednesday,” Hunt told the media.

The coach said the effect was felt immediately, with two DDC players having to start on the wings in the opening match.

“We lost attacking big weapons. In our first game of the season, I had to play two DDC players on the wings. Lucky with a lot of experience I can make a plan; at the end of the day it’s not easy,” he added.

Hunt said the circumstances had also accelerated the development of several young players, although they had been brought into the side as regular starters rather than temporary cover.

“We’ve got six or seven players who made their debut this year and are not making their debuts by filling in but by starting,” Hunt said.