Hunt backs Matlou to revive career after Kaizer Chiefs exit with Stellenbosch move

Stellenbosch FC coach Gavin Hunt says new signing George Matlou has the quality and experience to make a significant impact at the club after the midfielder’s departure from Kaizer Chiefs.

Matlou, whose contract with Amakhosi was not renewed at the end of June, has joined Stellies ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, with Hunt confirming he played a central role in bringing the 26-year-old to Cape Winelands.

The former Kaizer Chiefs man endured a frustrating spell at the Soweto club, struggling to secure a regular starting place and spending long periods sidelined through injury. Despite that, Hunt is convinced the midfielder can rediscover his best form in Stellenbosch colours.

“I know George from Wits, before he went to Portugal. Good player, good experience. He will do well for us,” Hunt told media at the launch of the Betway Premiership season in Houghton, Johannesburg, on Monday afternoon.

Replacing key departures

Hunt explained that Matlou’s arrival comes as part of a broader rebuild, following the loss of several important players during the off-season.

“Obviously, we’ve lost (Ibrahim) Jabaar. He went to Simba in Tanzania. Mthiyane went to Pirates in that area, so we had to replace. These players got sold, moved on, more money and what can we do? We need to replace,” he said.

Ibrahim Jabaar’s move to Simba SC and the departure of Mthiyane to Orlando Pirates have forced Stellenbosch into the market in the same central areas of the pitch where Matlou is expected to operate.

Hunt’s previous working relationship with Matlou at Bidvest Wits, before the player’s stint in Portugal, was a key factor in the deal. The coach believes that familiarity with his game will help the midfielder settle quickly and contribute immediately in the Betway Premiership.

Pre-season upheaval for Stellies

While welcoming Matlou, Hunt admitted that preparations for the new season have been complicated by a series of exits, including another player leaving for Orlando Pirates.

“It’s been a tough pre-season. Very tough for a club like us. We’ve got players leaving and players coming in. It’s been a very tough pre-season. As I got here, one player left this morning and most probably another one tomorrow,” he said.

The latest confirmed departure is Thapelo Mokobodi, who was unveiled by Orlando Pirates earlier on Monday. His move adds to the turnover in the Stellenbosch squad in the build-up to the new campaign.

Hunt suggested that the financial realities facing a club of Stellenbosch’s size mean they cannot stand in the way of players moving on when bigger offers arrive, reinforcing the need for careful recruitment.

“These players got sold, moved on, more money and what can we do?” he reiterated, underlining the challenge of maintaining stability while key performers are lured away.

Fresh opportunity for Matlou

For Matlou, the switch to Stellenbosch represents a chance to relaunch a career that stalled at Kaizer Chiefs. His time at the Soweto giants never truly took off, with limited minutes and injuries preventing him from fulfilling the promise he showed earlier in his career.

Hunt, however, remains confident that in a different environment and with a coach who understands his strengths, the midfielder can deliver on that early potential and help Stellies cope with the loss of influential figures such as Jabaar and Mokobodi.

With the Betway Premiership season fast approaching, Matlou is expected to compete immediately for a place in Stellenbosch’s midfield as the club looks to navigate a period of change while remaining competitive on the domestic front.