Stellenbosch FC have wasted little time in appointing a new head coach following Steve Barker’s departure to Tanzanian giants Simba SC.
Veteran Premier Soccer League tactician Gavin Hunt is the new man in charge at the Danie Craven Stadium.
STEVE BARKER’S EXIT FROM STELLENBOSCH FC
Barker’s exit earlier this month brought an end to a highly successful eight-year spell at the Winelands club.
He had overseen 309 matches and delivered some of the most significant achievements in Stellenbosch FC’s history.
Those included the 2018/19 National First Division title, the 2023 Carling Knockout, back-to-back third-place league finishes, and a run to the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals.
NEW ERA UNDER GAVIN HUNT
With Barker moving on to Simba SC, Stellenbosch moved swiftly to secure an experienced replacement and confirmed Hunt’s appointment as head coach with immediate effect.
Club CEO Rob Benadie said the decision followed a thorough recruitment process.
Benadie revealed that Hunt’s pedigree, experience and understanding of local football aligned closely with the club’s ambitions.
“A winner by nature. Gavin Hunt is the longest-serving coach in the PSL and one of the most decorated coaches in South African football,” Benadie said.
“His player-centric approach and deep knowledge of Western Cape and South African football make him a natural fit for the club’s identity and long-term vision.”
Hunt, 61, arrives in Stellenbosch as one of the most successful coaches in the modern PSL era. He has lifted four Premiership titles, two Nedbank Cups, an MTN8 crown, and a Telkom Knockout trophy. His individual awards include six PSL Coach of the Season awards.
Earlier this year, he became the first coach to reach the milestone of 1,000 matches in the Premier Soccer League.
The Cape Town-born coach has previously held posts at Seven Stars, Hellenic, SuperSport United, Bidvest Wits, Moroka Swallows, Black Leopards, Kaizer Chiefs, Chippa United and Durban City.
Speaking on his appointment, Gavin Hunt said: “Stellenbosch have built something special in recent years.
“There’s a strong foundation here. I’m energised by the opportunity to build on it and bring success to the Winelands,” Gavin Hunt concluded.