Hunt backs Stellenbosch project despite CR Belouizdad defeat

The outcome leaves Belouizdad firmly in control of the group on nine points, while Stellenbosch remain third on four points. 

The Maroons are level on points with Singida Black Stars and trail second-placed AS Otoho by two points, with a crucial away fixture in Congo Brazzaville looming next weekend.

Despite the margin of defeat, Hunt believes his team showed encouraging intent and application.

Stellenbosch were already on the back foot after losing the reverse fixture 2–0 at home, making it a 5–0 aggregate defeat over the two group encounters.

However, Hunt says the results have not shaken his belief in the long-term project, pointing to clear signs of progress since taking charge and leading the club in his first CAF interclub campaign at home. 

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He adds that performances, rather than scorelines alone, underline that the team is moving in the right direction.

"This game teaches you a lot. We are closer to where we want to be, and I know what we're trying to do. This game and the one from last sunday was good for us, as they allowed us to bring a few players in."

Stellies were boosted by the availability of several key players who had missed the trip to Algeria the previous week due to visa issues, including Mosa Lebusa, Tshegofatso Mabasa and Kobamelo Kodisang.

With paperwork resolved, Hunt immediately brought Mabasa and Lebusa into the starting line-up, alongside new recruits Asekho Tiwani and Wonderboy Makhubu, signalling his intent to accelerate the integration process.

The coach says throwing new signings into a high-pressure CAF fixture is part of fast-tracking cohesion and building a competitive squad for the challenges ahead.

CR Belouizdad are led by Sead Ramovic, a coach well known in South African football following his time at TS Galaxy.

Asked whether Ramovic’s familiarity with the local game gave Belouizdad a tactical advantage, Hunt acknowledged his counterpart’s quality but stressed that the two teams are at different stages, with Stellenbosch still in a rebuilding phase.

"Sead has done very well there and he's a top guy, but it's more the quality. They are a club, as well as a league, where everyone tries to win. We also try to win, but we are in a rebuild phase because a lot of players have left, so these couple of games have been good for us."