Gavin Hunt: Why the ‘loan clause’ is a major blow ahead of Sundowns clash

Stellenbosch FC head coach Gavin Hunt has labelled the absence of his Mamelodi Sundowns-loaned duo a ‘major blow’ to the Maroons’ tactical setup ahead of tonight’s Betway Premiership clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

It’s matchday 🤩

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🏟️ Loftus Versfeld
📆 Wednesday, 22 April 2026
🕞 19h30
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— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) April 22, 2026

The veteran tactician, who has transformed Stellies into one of the league’s most efficient crossing sides, admits that being unable to call upon Asekho Tiwani and Kobamelo Kodisang complicates an already mammoth task of toppling the reigning champions on their home turf.

He also described the trip to Pretoria a “very difficult task” as the Maroons prepare to face a Sundowns side that has turned Loftus Versfeld into an impregnable fortress.

Stellies arrived in the capital on the back of a clinical 3-1 victory over Sekhukhune United, but Hunt is under no illusions about the caliber of the reigning Betway Premiership champions.

The Loftus Fortress

Sundowns’ dominance at home is statistically staggering, a fact not lost on the veteran tactician. With the Brazilians boasting an unbeaten home run spanning over 50 matches, Hunt knows his side must be near-perfect.

“They are, for me, certainly one of the top sides in Africa. We are under no illusions about what we face,” Hunt told the media. “They haven’t lost in about 52 games at Loftus and at home, so it won’t be easy. I’m looking forward to it, though, and we’ll go there with a good plan and see if it works.”

Selection Headache For: The Sundowns ‘Loan Clause’ Blow

The Winelands outfit will be forced to shuffle their pack due to loan agreements. Key left-back Asekho Tiwani and attacker Kobamelo Kodisang are both ineligible to face their parent club, leaving a significant void in Hunt’s tactical setup.

“Tiwani is a big blow because he’s been our left full-back and played the majority of the second round and been very good for us,” Hunt reflected. “That’s a blow for us, but it is what it is. In football, all around the world, you control what you can and can’t do when players get loaned out.

“We just have to try to concentrate in his absence. Omega [Mdaka] will come in, and I’m sure he will do a good job for us.”

Despite the personnel setbacks, Stellies are finding their rhythm in the final third. Hunt highlighted a massive shift in the team’s offensive output, backed by league-leading statistics.

“If you look at the stats and the data, we are No. 1 now with crosses into the box, where we were No. 12 before,” Hunt revealed. “That’s a good sign, and it shows we’re progressing. If you get the ball into the opposition box a bit more, you will have more chances to score.”

The high-stakes encounter is set to kick off at 19:30 CAT tonight. A positive result for Stellies would send a massive statement to the rest of the league, but for Sundowns, the mission is clear: a victory would propel them to the summit of the table.

A win for the Brazilians would see them open a one-point lead over Orlando Pirates with a crucial game in hand—effectively giving them the chance to extend that gap to four points. Meanwhile, ninth-placed Stellenbosch are fighting for a top-eight spot and sit just three points adrift of the qualifying positions.”