Stellenbosch FC head coach Gavin Hunt has conceded his side cannot catch the league's top teams this season. Hunt made the frank assessment after a 1-1 draw with Kaizer Chiefs extended the club's unbeaten run to four matches.
Speaking after the match at FNB Stadium on Tuesday, Hunt stated the gap to the leading pack is insurmountable. "But the top three, they are gone; we're not going to catch them," the Stellenbosch FC coach said. The result lifted Stellenbosch to seventh in the Premier Soccer League standings, where they have 10 points from eight games. They now sit 13 points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. Their record of two wins, four draws, and two losses reflects the inconsistency that has left them adrift of the title race.
Sinoxolo Kwayiba gave Stellenbosch the lead in the 48th minute, finishing an assist from Terrence Mashego. Kaizer Chiefs equalised ten minutes later through Mduduzi Shabalala. The draw means Stellenbosch's recent form reads DWD, keeping them unbeaten in their last three league outings. This sequence began with a 1-1 draw against Sekhukhune United on 11 September and a 1-0 win away to Kruger United on 19 September, where Keanan Johannesen scored the only goal.
Hunt pointed to significant player turnover and financial constraints as the main obstacles. He highlighted the need to integrate players who lacked regular game time last season, such as Given Msimango, Njabulo Blom, and George Matlou. The departure of players like Thabo Moloisane on a free transfer has forced the team to rely on a less experienced squad, making a title challenge unrealistic against the financial power of Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. He noted that while the club has a good structure, it cannot compete with the resources of the traditional giants.
The immediate focus is on consolidating a mid-table position. Stellenbosch's next match is a home fixture against Chippa United on October 30. Chippa currently sit ninth, just one place below Stellenbosch. Hunt's aim is to build stability and rhythm within his evolving squad, with top scorer Q. Plaatjies, who has three goals this season, a key figure. The team's overall record of nine goals scored and eight conceded this season shows the need for greater attacking output to climb the table. Hunt concluded by stating the objective is to finish as high as possible, potentially in the top eight, and to continue developing the team's style of play.
The report in full is at goal.com
