Stellenbosch Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Gavin Hunt as the Club’s new men’s First Team Head Coach.
Hunt takes the helm at Stellenbosch as the successor to Steve Barker, who departed earlier this month, and assumes the role with immediate effect.
Stellenbosch FC CEO Rob Benadie said, “We are delighted to welcome a coach of Gavin Hunt’s calibre and experience to Stellenbosch and look forward to supporting him as we usher in a new era at the Club.
“We are proud of the quality of local and international candidates that applied for the position and, after conducting a thorough process, our board is confident that we have secured the right Head Coach for Stellenbosch FC.
“A winner by nature, Hunt is the longest-serving coach in the PSL and one of the most decorated coaches in South Africa, and he has a proven track record that aligns to the ambitions of the Club.
“His player-centric approach and intimate knowledge of Western Cape and South African football were also impressive to observe, and make him a natural fit in terms of aligning with the Club’s identity and long-term vision.”
On his appointment, Hunt added, “I am honoured to be joining Stellenbosch FC at this exciting time.
“This is a forward-thinking Club with a clear vision, and from my first conversations with the CEO and staff, I could sense the ambition and the support structures that are in place. This is crucial for any coach who wants to succeed.”
“Stellenbosch have built something special in recent years, and I am motivated to build on that foundation.
There’s plenty of work ahead of us, but I am energized by the challenge.”
“The Winelands deserve success and I’m committed to giving everything I have to bring silverware and memorable moments to our supporters.”
The 61-year-old tactician takes the reins as one of the most decorated coaches in South African football history, boasting four Premiership titles, two Nedbank Cups, an MTN8 trophy, and a Telkom Knockout triumph, as well as six PSL Coach of the Season accolades.
Hailing from Cape Town, Hunt played professionally for thirteen years before turning to coaching with local sides Seven Stars and Hellenic, and has been involved in every top-flight campaign in South Africa since the 1998-99 season.
Earlier this year, he became the first coach to take charge of 1000 matches in the Premier Soccer League, spanning a storied 30-year career that also included stints with Black Leopards, Moroka Swallows, SuperSport United, Bidvest Wits, Kaizer Chiefs, Chippa United, and, most recently, Durban City.
Hunt’s first match in charge will be on 20 January 2026 when Stellenbosch travel to New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane to take on Sekhukhune United in a Betway Premiership encounter.
Further details regarding Hunt’s appointment, coaching staff, and the date of his first scheduled press conference as Stellenbosch FC Head Coach will be communicated in due course. INFO SUPPLIED
