Gavin Hunt explains how Ashley du Preez and Njabulo Blom are settling in at Stellenbosch FC

Stellenbosch FC head coach Gavin Hunt says Ashley du Preez will be used in the right tactical situations as the striker rebuilds his confidence, while Njabulo Blom has been challenged to play his way back into the Bafana squad.

Du Preez returned to Stellenbosch during the last transfer window after leaving Chiefs, but the Cape Winelands club’s speedy forward has made only a limited contribution since rejoining.

He has played 118 minutes under Hunt and is yet to score or provide an assist. Hunt believes the 27-year-old needs a particular style of play to get the best out of him.

“He [Du Preez] comes here with lower confidence. He’s a certain type of player; you have to play a certain way. You can’t expect to play away with him. You know, he’s got to play a certain way,” Hunt told the media.

The Stellenbosch coach said Du Preez’s situation had improved in recent weeks, with the player now more comfortable after returning to his former club.

“And I think he just needs to settle down again, get playing again. He’s back home. He certainly is in a good mood with the behaviour here or in a good space, but he certainly, the last couple of weeks is much better,” Hunt added.

The forward remains part of Hunt’s plans, although his opportunities will depend on the circumstances of individual matches.

“So, yeah, we are certainly gonna use him there’s no doubt about it. We can use him, but in certain situations, and then it’s up to him.”

Blom aiming for Bafana return

Blom’s move to Stellenbosch was initially expected to take place during the August transfer window, but the club could not reach an agreement to complete the deal.

After joining Indonesian side Borneo FC, however, the midfielder was loaned to Stellenbosch. In an unusual turn of events, the Chiefs academy product made his club debut against his former team in the league.

Hunt said he had spoken to Blom about finding a settled role and making the most of his qualities in midfield.

“On Blom, he is moving around all over the show for the chasing. I had a long chat with him,” he said.

“But he’s got running power; he is a good midfield player, and I said to him if you look at the Bafana side, you were there at the stage, and he was in the squad at the stage.

“If he gets a few games on his belt, who knows get back in the squad, so it’s up him. I think both players it’s up to them.”