Gavin Hunt takes the helm at Stellenbosch FC

In a move that signals a seismic shift in the Betway Premiership hierarchy, Stellenbosch FC have ended their search for a new commander-in-chief by appointing the legendary Gavin Hunt as their head coach.

The announcement, which broke on Tuesday morning, sees the 61-year-old tactician return to his Cape roots to succeed Steve Barker. It is a bold statement of intent from the Winelands outfit, trading the long-term stability of the Barker era for the proven, trophy-laden pedigree of a man who breathes South African football.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Gavin Hunt as the Club’s new men’s First Team Head Coach.https://t.co/Ls3GaQJM2q#HeartoftheCape #MoreThanFootball #StellenboschFC 🍇

— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) December 30, 2025

The appointment follows what the club described as a “thorough process” involving both local and international candidates. For CEO Rob Benadie, Hunt’s CV—sparkling with four Premiership titles and a litany of domestic cups—was impossible to ignore.

“A winner by nature, Hunt is the longest-serving coach in the PSL and one of the most decorated coaches in South Africa,” Benadie said. “His player-centric approach and intimate knowledge of Western Cape and South African football make him a natural fit for our long-term vision.”

Indeed, Hunt’s return to the Cape is a homecoming of sorts. Before becoming the first man to reach the milestone of 1,000 PSL matches earlier this year, his journey began with local stalwarts Seven Stars and Hellenic. Now, after three decades of traversing the country from Bidvest Wits to Kaizer Chiefs and, most recently, Durban City, the veteran returns to the Mother City’s doorstep.

The Challenge: Building on a Foundation

Hunt arrives at a club that has transformed from a fledgling project into a perennial top-flight threat. While Barker’s departure earlier this month left an emotional void, Hunt is clearly not there to be a placeholder.

“The Winelands deserve success,” Hunt stated, his words carrying the weight of a coach who has won six PSL Coach of the Season accolades. “Stellenbosch have built something special in recent years, and I am motivated to build on that foundation. There’s plenty of work ahead, but I am energised by the challenge.”

The veteran’s arrival suggests that “Stellies” are no longer content with being “nearly-men.” By securing a coach with a “proven track record” for silverware, the board has effectively put the rest of the league on notice.

Key Stats: The Hunt Legacy

Milestone Detail
League Titles 4 Premiership trophies
Cup Success 2 Nedbank Cups, 1 MTN8, 1 Telkom Knockout
Experience First coach to reach 1,000 PSL matches
PSL Tenure Involved in every campaign since 1998/99

Hunt doesn’t have much time to settle into the picturesque scenery of the Winelands. His first true test comes on January 20, 2026, when Stellenbosch travel to the New Peter Mokaba Stadium to face Sekhukhune United.

With the club yet to announce the rest of his backroom staff, all eyes will be on the first press conference to see how Hunt plans to adapt his pragmatic, winning style to the youthful, high-energy DNA that has come to define Stellenbosch FC.