Gavin Hunt: Wonderboy Makhubu red card a 'huge blow' to Stellenbosch's relegation battle

Stellenbosch FC coach Gavin Hunt admits losing striker Wonderboy Makhubu for the next couple of matches is a “huge blow” to his team’s chances in their Betway Premiership relegation battle. 

Makhubu, who returned to the Stellies line-up after missing the CAF Confederation Cup tie last Sunday, was red-carded for a studs up tackle during the 1-1 raw with bottom-placed Magesi FC at the Danie Craven Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Stellies therefore remain in 13th place on 16 points after 16 matches, and face an uphill battle, particularly now without Makhubu, in their bid to remain clear of the dreaded drop zone.

“Huge blow,” Hunt told the media post-match. “You know, we're really struggling up front, isn't it.

“So, it's a huge blow, especially in the next two games. Cup game is a cup game, but the Chiefs game is… I mean, you saw how good he was against Chiefs a couple of weeks ago. So, it's a huge blow.”

Although Hunt was disappointed about the dismissal, he could understand why referee Eugene Mdluli went to his pocket.

“It's always difficult with the foot up. And I mean, he did three, four, five, 360 rolls there, and then he gets up and goes back on. So, disappointing from that perspective,” Hunt said.

“But you always, when the ball's in, you put your foot, the guy comes to the head. If it's like the studs, I can understand, but those ones are always... And when you slow it down, it looks worse.

“So VARs and slowing it down, it always looks worse. So, anybody watching at home, oh, yeah, it's a red card.”

Hunt’s charges’ next assignment is a Nedbank Cup Round 16 tie away to Golden Arrows on Saturday before an almighty Betway Premiership clash against Kaizer Chiefs next Tuesday, 24 February.