Gavin Hunt confident full-strength Stellenbosch FC can challenge for honours

Stellenbosch FC coach Gavin Hunt believes his side will become a formidable force once their new-look squad is fully fit and able to play together regularly.

Hunt has been rebuilding the Stellenbosch FC team since a significant number of players left at the end of last season, with the aim of creating a squad capable of competing for silverware in the Premier Soccer League.

The coach has had to integrate several new signings at speed, while injuries and departures have prevented him from selecting his strongest line-up. Despite the team’s uneven start to the 2026/27 season, Hunt remains convinced that Stellenbosch FC have the quality to trouble their rivals.

“I think we’ve got a really good side. And I am not just saying that – if I look at all the individuals we have signed this year, I think we have a really good team, but it’s all on paper,” said Hunt.

The coach accepts, however, that assembling a collection of talented players is only the first step. Stellenbosch FC still need time on the pitch to develop the understanding required to perform consistently as a team.

“It’s got to play together – it’s got to feel its way. The best teams in the world play with each other – there’s an understanding, those types of things. So we haven’t had a chance to do that yet,” Hunt said.

“Let’s not deflect and make excuses – that’s a fact. We haven’t really played our strongest team, that I think, yet.”

Hunt said the club’s early difficulties had been compounded by the loss of two key attacking players shortly after the campaign began.

“Well, my two attacking weapons, Phili and Titus. Phili left the week of the first game; they did the whole preseason, and obviously, Titus left after the second game,” he said.

“The Tuesday night we played Polokwane, he left on the Wednesday, so we lost two attacking weapons.”

Stellenbosch FC’s most recent match ended in a 1-1 draw away to Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership. Hunt is hoping to have more players available when his team begin their Carling Knockout campaign against Durban City on Wednesday.

The coach is also focused on helping veteran striker Bradley Grobler break the PSL’s all-time goalscoring record. The milestone was previously held by Peter Shalulile, who has since left for Yanga SC in the Tanzanian Premier League, leaving the record within reach.

Hunt’s immediate priority is to build a settled Stellenbosch FC side, but he believes the team’s potential will become clearer when the squad is finally fit and able to play together.