It won't take away the sadness, but hopefully we can remember Jeandre by beating Chiefs, says Hunt

Stellenbosch FC coach Gavin Hunt has described the passing of young midfielder Jeandre Gaffoor as “tragic”.

Gaffoor, 20, who joined Stellenbosch FC’s development ranks at the start of the 2024-25 campaign from Cape Town Spurs and featured prominently as the team achieved runners-up finish in the DStv Diski Challenge last season, passed away on Sunday. 

“It's really a sad occasion, what's happened. It's tragic, you know? A young boy like that who's only really starting his football career,” said Hunt, who is preparing his team to face Kaizer Chiefs in their Nedbank Cup last 32 tie on Wednesday.

“We can only support the family, which the club is doing, I think, even today and next week. And just try and keep him in our thoughts and prayers. But it's really tragic, what's happened there.”

Stellenbosch are currently struggling in the League in 12th position and are fresh off consecutive defeats in the CAF Confederation Cup to CR Belouizdad, and now face an almighty challenge against an in-form Chiefs side at DHL Stadium.

Without wanting to diminish the tragedy of Gaffoor’s passing, Hunt is hoping his team can pay tribute to the young midfielder with a special performance against the Amakhosi. 

“If anything, can we do it for the youngster tomorrow? Give a good performance. If it brings any little bit of extra motivation or feeling about the place, we certainly will try and remember him and try and win a game of football,” the experienced mentor said.

“Which doesn't take away the sadness, but it can help the atmosphere around the place a little bit more for that moment.

“I mean, saying that, there's more important things than football sometimes, you know? Which is life and which has happened. So, very sad occasion. Internally, the club has handled it exceptionally well.”

The Premier Soccer League have issued a statement that there will be a moment of silence in Gaffoor’s honour at all of this week’s Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup and Dstv Diski Challenge fixtures.