Stellenbosch FC hit the jackpot by landing the services of decorated coach Gavin Hunt

Stellenbosch FC have hit the jackpot by bringing the legendary Gavin Hunt on board as their new head coach, leveraging his extensive experience and proven track record.

The Winelands club will embark on a new journey in South African football with Hunt, a name synonymous with success. He succeeds Steve Barker, who departed unexpectedly earlier this month, and will assume the role with immediate effect.

In a statement on Tuesday morning, Stellenbosch FC CEO Rob Benadie expressed the club’s excitement about Hunt’s appointment.

“We are delighted to welcome a coach of Gavin Hunt’s calibre and experience to Stellenbosch and look forward to supporting him as we usher in a new era at the club. We are proud of the quality of local and international candidates who applied for the position. After conducting a thorough process, our board is confident that we have secured the right head coach for Stellenbosch FC,” he stated.

Benadie highlighted Hunt’s winning instinct, emphasising: “A winner by nature, Hunt is the longest-serving coach in the PSL and one of the most decorated coaches in South Africa. His proven track record aligns with the ambitions of the club.

"Furthermore, his player-centric approach and intimate knowledge of Western Cape and South African football are impressive and make him a natural fit for aligning with the club’s identity and long-term vision.”

Taking a moment to share his thoughts on the appointment, the Cape Town-born Hunt remarked: “I am honoured to be joining Stellenbosch FC at this exciting time. Stellenbosch is a forward-thinking club with a clear vision.

"From my first conversations with the CEO and staff, I sensed the ambition and the support structures that are in place. These elements are crucial for any coach who wants to succeed.”

Hunt’s remarkable achievements underscore his extensive experience in the local football scene. At 61, he is one of the most decorated coaches in South African football history, with four Premiership titles, two Nedbank Cups, an MTN8 trophy, a Telkom Knockout title, and six PSL Coach of the Season awards.

His illustrious career began in Cape Town, where he played professionally for 13 years before transitioning into coaching roles at local sides such as Seven Stars and Hellenic. Since the 1998/99 season, Hunt has been involved in every top-flight campaign in South Africa, making history as the first coach to oversee 1,000 matches in the Premier Soccer League earlier this year.

His storied career has also included serving as head coach at Black Leopards, Moroka Swallows, SuperSport United, Bidvest Wits, Kaizer Chiefs, Chippa United, and, most recently, Durban City. Looking ahead, Hunt will make his debut as head coach when Stellenbosch travel to New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane for a Betway Premiership encounter against Sekhukhune United on 20 January 2026.