Ex-Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt’s future at Stellenbosch defined after narrow MTN8 miss

Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt was appointed as Stellenbosch tactician in an initial short-term deal in the wake of Steve Barker’s exit to Simba SC of Tanzania early in the season.

The 61-year-old found the team struggling to get out of the relegation zone, but he did his best to help them finish ninth on the table with 37 points, just two outside the MTN8 qualification slot, which is occupied by debutants and Hunt’s immediate former team, Durban City.

It is for this reason that the Maroons have decided to tie the veteran coach to the club beyond the 2025/26 season.

Stellies make Hunt decision

“Stellenbosch FC is delighted to announce that Head Coach Gavin Hunt has signed a contract extension with the Club that will see him remain at the helm for the next two seasons,” Stellies confirmed.

We are delighted to announce that Head Coach Gavin Hunt has signed a contract extension with the Club that will see him remain at the helm for the next two seasons ✍️ #HeartoftheCape #MoreThanFootball #StellenboschFC 🍇https://t.co/w4OVBNhHB4

— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) May 26, 2026

“Hunt took charge of the Maroons in December last year and oversaw the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign as the Club secured a ninth-placed finish in the Betway Premiership.

“The 61-year-old, who has taken charge of more than 1000 top-flight matches in South African football, will now continue to lead the team forward after putting pen to paper on a two-year contract extension,” they added.

Excited Hunt ready for task

“I am very excited about the project we’re building at Stellenbosch FC. This is a fantastic club with fantastic facilities and is very professionally run,” the veteran tactician reacted.

“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.

“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.

“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 ex-Kaizer Chiefs tactician concluded.