Gavin Hunt delighted after signing new Stellenbosch contract

Veteran South African coach Gavin Hunt says he is excited about the future at Stellenbosch FC after committing to a new two-year contract following an impressive turnaround in the 2025/26 season.

The 61-year-old arrived at the club in December after the departure of long-serving coach Steve Barker, who left to join Simba SC. At the time, Stellenbosch were battling near the relegation zone in the Betway Premiership.

Hunt steadied the side during the second half of the campaign and guided them to a ninth-place finish, comfortably clear of danger by the end of the season.

The former league-winning coach, who has overseen more than 1,000 top-flight matches in South African football, will now continue leading the rebuilding process after agreeing fresh terms with the club.

“I’m very excited about the project we’re building at Stellenbosch FC,” Hunt said.

“This is a fantastic club with fantastic facilities and is very professionally run.”

Hunt also praised the technical staff he inherited upon his arrival, highlighting the unity behind the club’s long-term ambitions.

“The staff, whom I inherited on my arrival, have been very welcoming and supportive towards me, and we share a fresh and positive outlook for the future,” he added.

Despite the encouraging finish to the campaign, Hunt acknowledged the scale of the challenge ahead as Stellenbosch seek to return to the heights reached under the previous coaching regime.

“You can never forget what has happened in the past, where the club was very successful under the previous coaching regime, and we want to get back up to that place where we can be competitive again.”

Hunt admitted the process would require patience but believes the club has the foundations needed to compete strongly again in South African football.

“It’s not going to be easy, and it’s not going to happen overnight, but we have a chance to rebuild the team, and I’m happy to have been entrusted with that responsibility.”

The contract extension signals confidence from Stellenbosch management in Hunt’s leadership and experience as the club prepares for the new season with renewed stability and ambition.