Gavin Hunt has backed Stellenbosch FC to challenge for the Carling Knockout Cup as they prepare to face his former club Durban City FC in the Last 16. The new head coach, who took over in December 2025, made the statement ahead of the midweek cup clash.

Hunt told reporters, "Gavin Hunt backs Stellenbosch to challenge for Carling Knockout title." His confidence comes as the team sits seventh in the Premier Soccer League with 10 points from eight matches, having recently gone three games unbeaten. The side's overall record stands at two wins, four draws, and two defeats, with nine goals scored and eight conceded this season. Their recent form of one win and two draws from their last three matches includes a 1-1 draw with Kaizer Chiefs on 13 October, a 1-0 victory over Kruger United on 19 September, and a 1-1 draw with Sekhukhune United on 11 September.

Club's recent success and competition context

Stellenbosch are the 2023 Carling Knockout Cup champions, having won the tournament under previous coach Steve Barker. The competition has a reputation for producing surprise winners, with Magesi FC and Orlando Pirates lifting the trophy in 2024 and 2025 respectively. This history provides a blueprint for Hunt's current squad, which will look to striker Q. Plaatjies, the team's top scorer this season with three goals in six appearances, for inspiration.

Current league position and form

The team's league form shows a record of two wins, four draws, and two defeats. Their recent sequence of results reads draw, win, draw, with the latest being a 1-1 stalemate away to Kaizer Chiefs on 13 October. Sinoxolo Kwayiba scored the equaliser that day, assisted by Terrence Mashego. They are currently 13 points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in the standings.

Stellenbosch's next league assignment is a home fixture against Chippa United on 30 October, a side currently sitting 9th in the table. Before that, their focus shifts entirely to the cup. The Carling Knockout Last 16 tie against Durban City FC is scheduled for Wednesday, 28 October at Chatsworth Stadium, with kick-off set for 19:00.

The report in full is at vodacomsoccer.com