Thapelo Mokobodi credits Gavin Hunt for Stellenbosch FC’s turnaround

Hunt took over the Cape Winelands side in January this year when they had struggled for points since the beginning of the 2025/26 season, and were languishing dangerously in the bottom half of the Betway Premiership standings. They have now ensured their safety in the top league ahead of next season, and Mobokodi spoke about how it’s been working with him.

"Personally, I think working with him – he is a good human being. He expects a lot from the team. Obviously, given the position we were in, it was difficult to get to know his other side. But we had to focus and try our best to make sure the team is in the right position. All the hard work and grinding," said Mokobodi.

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"I've personally got to know him. He is a fun coach, enjoyable to be around, but he expects concentration, playing with the right mentality and high intensity.

Mokobodi went on to say that Hunt has had a personal impact on him, and had to put in a bit extra at training to be able to earn a regular place in the team. He added that he’s also learnt to adjust to playing different positions.

He believes part of the reasons they had problems at the beginning of the season is having new players in the team, with whom they initially struggled to connect.

Stellies has only lost twice since the turn of the year in the league, and beat Kaizer Chiefs while holding Mamelodi Sundowns to a draw in the process. Mokobodi believes working as a group has been their biggest strength in the second half of the campaign.

"I think working as a group to connect well with the new players and giving our all to achieve the results for which coach [Gavin Hunt] has helped us, and he has improved us as a team."