Gavin Hunt warns of injury crisis and three-week lay-off before Kaizer Chiefs clash

Stellenbosch FC head coach Gavin Hunt says a lengthy spell without competitive football, combined with a significant injury list, has disrupted his side’s preparations for their Betway Premiership meeting with Kaizer Chiefs.

Stellenbosch travel to Johannesburg to face Hunt’s former employers at FNB Stadium on Tuesday evening, 13 October 2026. The fixture, which kicks off at 19:30, marks a return to league action for both teams after a prolonged international break.

Hunt believes the three-week interruption has made it difficult for players to maintain their sharpness and motivation, with the absence of regular competitive matches affecting preparations across football.

“I think the whole world will feel that way because three weeks is a long time, and it’s very difficult to keep training for that amount of time and to stay motivated,” Hunt said in official quotes published on the Stellenbosch FC Website.

The Stellenbosch coach also identified injuries as a major concern ahead of the trip to the Calabash. He said the number of unavailable players had left his squad short of the ideal competitive condition, adding to the challenge of facing Kaizer Chiefs in Johannesburg.

Hunt said the injury situation “detracts a little bit” from where he would want his team to be before such an important fixture.

The match will also bring several familiar figures back to FNB Stadium. Alongside Hunt, Ashley Du Preez, Given Msimango, Njabulo Blom and Darrel Matsheke are among those returning to the venue.

For Hunt, the combination of limited competitive action and a depleted squad has created uncertainty around his team’s readiness. Stellenbosch must now attempt to overcome those difficulties when they resume their Betway Premiership campaign against Kaizer Chiefs.

The Johannesburg encounter is scheduled to begin at 19:30 on Tuesday evening.