CAFCC: Gavin Hunt eyes improved performance against AS Otoho

Head coach of Stellenbosch Gavin Hunt says they need to play above themselves in the CAF Confederation Cup against Congolese side Otoho d’Oyo.

The Stellies, who sit third in Group C with four points from four matches, need a win or a draw to keep their chances of qualifying for the next phase of the competition alive.

Ahead of the game in Oyo at 3:00pm, Gavin Hunt shared his thoughts on the team’s chances on Sunday, February 8.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@cafclcc)

Stellenbosch have been pale shadow of themselves

“We’ll arrive there on Friday, prepare on Saturday, and then we’ll play on Sunday. We need a point because if we lose we are out, so we need something there and then we can try and win the next game,” Gavin Hunt said.

“They made the game at the middle of the day on the astro turf so you can just imagine. Anybody who has played on astro will know that it is a very different kind of game.”

A loss for Stellies away from home would eliminate them from the competition where they have four points, two behind Otoho d’Oyo and five behind leaders CR Belouizdad after four matches. Stellenbosch produced a spirited performance in their Nedbank Cup round of 32 where they defeated Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town.

Stellenbosch have been pale shadow of themselves in the start of the Betway Premiership campaign, collecting 15 points from 15 games in 12th position.

Stellenbosch Face Must-Win Test Against Otoho d’Oyo in CAF Confederation Cup

Head coach Gavin Hunt has admitted that Stellenbosch FC will need to play above themselves when they face Congolese side Otoho d’Oyo in a crucial CAF Confederation Cup Group C clash.

The match, scheduled for Sunday, February 8 at 3:00pm in Oyo, could define Stellenbosch’s continental campaign. The Stellies currently sit third in Group C with four points from four matches and need at least a draw to keep their qualification hopes alive heading into the final round of group games.

Stellenbosch FC’s Qualification Hopes Hang in the Balance

With the group delicately poised, Stellenbosch FC know that defeat away from home would effectively end their dream of reaching the knockout stages. The South African side trail Otoho d’Oyo by two points and group leaders CR Belouizdad by five points after four rounds of fixtures.

A win would dramatically reshape the group standings, while a draw would at least keep Stellenbosch in contention going into their final match. However, anything less would spell elimination from the competition.

Gavin Hunt Warns of Tough Conditions for Stellenbosch

Speaking ahead of the journey to Congo, Gavin Hunt highlighted the unique challenges his team will face, both in terms of conditions and opposition.

“We’ll arrive there on Friday, prepare on Saturday, and then we’ll play on Sunday,” Hunt said.
“We need a point because if we lose we are out. So we need something there and then we can try and win the next game.”

The veteran coach also pointed to the midday kickoff and artificial turf as significant factors that could influence the outcome.

“They made the game in the middle of the day on the astro turf, so you can just imagine,” Hunt added.
“Anybody who has played on astro will know that it is a very different kind of game.”

Stellenbosch FC Must Adapt to Astro Turf Challenge

For Stellenbosch FC, the artificial surface presents a tactical and physical test. Astro turf often speeds up play, places extra strain on players’ legs, and reduces recovery time—factors that can disadvantage visiting teams unfamiliar with the conditions.

Hunt’s emphasis on adaptation reflects the reality that continental football is as much about managing environments as it is about technical quality. For Stellenbosch, coping with the heat, surface, and hostile atmosphere in Oyo will be just as important as their tactical execution.