Stellenbosch coach Gavin Hunt has made a straight-talking admission after his side’s 1-1 draw with Kaizer Chiefs. He believes the Betway Premiership’s top three have already pulled clear and that Stellenbosch will not catch them this season.

Speaking after the match at FNB Stadium, Hunt said Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu have bought well and invested heavily in their squads. “The top three – they are gone, we’re not going to catch them,” the experienced coach told the media.

The result left both teams with a point. Stellenbosch took the lead early in the second half through Sinoxolo Kwayiba, but Kaizer Chiefs equalised through Mduduzi Shabalala. Neither side could find a winner in a competitive game.

Hunt explained that his own squad has gone through a lot of change. Several players left at the end of their contracts, including Thabo Moloisane, and the club has had to bring in new faces and give opportunities to players who have not played much regular football. He said it takes time for those players to settle and find their rhythm.

“We have had a lot of turnover and obviously you’re not going to get the cherries,” Hunt said. “We have got to try and build a team, taking guys who haven’t played much and try and make a team, which we will do. But they need to get into the rhythm of playing.”

The current standings support his view. Sundowns sit top with 23 points from nine games, Pirates are second with 22 points from eight matches, and AmaZulu hold third place on 19 points. Stellenbosch are seventh with 10 points from eight games, while Kaizer Chiefs are fourth on 14 points.

Hunt noted that the point against Chiefs moved Stellenbosch up two places on the table. He believes his side can still improve as the new players get used to the system, but he does not see them challenging the teams at the top.

The early-season form of Sundowns, Pirates and AmaZulu has been strong, with all three winning most of their matches. Hunt’s honest assessment has sparked debate about whether the title race is already decided or if teams further down the table, including Stellenbosch, can still surprise as the season goes on.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2110333104313274447