Gavin Hunt backs Stellies to become force at full strength

Hunt has been working behind the scenes to rebuild a team capable of challenging for silverware in the Premier Soccer League following a significant player exodus at the end of last season.

The coach has had to fast-track the integration of several new arrivals but remains confident that the Winelands outfit will be difficult to beat once everyone is available and firing on all cylinders.

"I think we've got a really good side. And I am not just saying that – if I look at all the individuals we have signed this year, I think we have a really good team, but it's all on paper," said Hunt

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"It 's got to play together –  it's got to feel its way. The best teams in the world play with each other – there's an understanding, those types of things. So we haven't had a chance to do that yet. Let's not deflect and make excuses – that's a fact. We haven't really played our strongest team-that I think yet."

  Hunt added that their tepid start has been largely due to losing key players just as the 2026/27 season got underway. 

"Well, my two attacking weapons, Phili and Titus. Phili left the week of the first game; they did the whole preseason, and obviously, Titus left after the second game. The Tuesday night we played Polokwane, he left on the Wednesday, so we lost two attacking weapons."

Stellies last played to a 1-1 draw away to Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership, and Hunt hopes to have more options available when they face Durban City in Wednesday’s Carling Knockout opener.

Meanwhile, Hunt is determined to help veteran striker Bradley Grobler become the PSL all-time goal scorer to surpass Peter Shalulile who has since left for Yanga SC in the Tanzanian Premier League and left his milestone exposed.