Gavin Hunt identifies rookies’ trap Durban City FC must avoid

Durban City FC coach Gavin Hunt has cautioned his team against falling into the dangerous trap that has often led to disastrous consequences for most newly-promoted Betway Premiership sides.

In the recent past, newcomers in South Africa’s elite league such as Magesi FC and Richards Bay FC have, upon entry into the Betway Premiership, had a flying start. Such rookies stunned most established teams by winning games in the first round.

However, what followed in the second round of the league and the subsequent seasons was a battle with relegation.

Last season, Magesi FC flattered to deceive. They achieved the unthinkable of beating overwhelming favourites Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 to win the Carling Knockout Cup in the infant stages of the 2024-2025 campaign.

However, what followed for the then new arrivals was a surprising run of poor results in the league. Magesi management had to axe coach Clinton Larsen and brought in Owen Da Gama to steady the ship.

Drawing lessons from such rookies, Hunt said he has managed enough outfits in his coaching career, stretching over two decades, to be cautious with City’s impressive start to the season.

“I always say you have to be careful with newly-promoted teams,” the ex-SuperSport United mentor told SuperSport Television. “I have been with three already. You have a huge upsurge at the beginning [of the season], and then you have a drop off.”

Hunt then warned City players that they need to fight in every game and develop consistency in performance which is key to survival in the league.

He said: “We cannot afford a drop off. We will get better. There is a lot of work in training. It shows another side of teams hence we cannot afford a drop off.”

The Durban-based outfit are joint leaders of the Betway Premiership log table after winning two straight games, at par with Kaizer Chiefs.