Gavin Hunt singles out Bilal Baloyi after impressive win over Orlando Pirates

Gavin Hunt singles out Bilal Baloyi after impressive win over Orlando Pirates

SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt has singled out 20-year-old defender Bilal Baloyi following a memorable full debut in their DStv Premiership win over Orlando Pirates on Saturday.

Matsatsantsa returned to second place after thrashing The Buccaneers 3-1 at Peter Mokaba Stadium, thanks to two goals from Shandre Campbell and one from Bradley Grobler, despite the Soweto giants having taken the lead through Fortune Makaringe. 

REPORT: Campbell brace leads SuperSport to victory over Orlando Pirates

Although Campbell – another academy graduate – scooped the Man of the Match award, Hunt was more impressed with the exploits of Baloyi. 

"Two young centre-backs – people said I was crazy to put Bilal in, but he was magnificent, I thought. I said, if we lose with him playing in his first [start] then... We can only win with young players," stressed Hunt.

"These young players have been magnificent this week, as I said, we've had 11 debutants from the Diski [DDC] team this season, and six new players – that's 17 new players."

SuperSport have been without their regulars in central defence due to injuries to Thulani Hlatshwayo and Siyanda Xulu, but Hunt has never been one to shy away from throwing young players into the mix, and Baloyi repaid the faith.

"We can't win the league, but we punch, we just keep going, try and do the best we can, and try to put a team out – we've lost all our centre-backs, and these two kids tonight were magnificent at the back, so long may it continue, and we just look forward." he said.

ALSO READ: The kids grew up – Gavin Hunt on fielding reserve team for CAF