Siviwe Nkwali backs Gavin Hunt’s experience-driven rebuild at Stellenbosch

Siviwe Nkwali says Stellenbosch are currently putting most of their focus on domestic matters, which is why they are not lamenting their exit from the continental showpiece, the CAF Confederation Cup.

Stellenbosch failed to progress past the group stage of the Confederation Cup after finishing third in their round-robin matches – an outing that meant they couldn't emulate or surpass last season's semi-final berth.

However, Stellies’ exit from the continent may have been a blessing in disguise. They have had an average season by their standards on the domestic front.

Redeeming their league campaign is part of Stellies’ bigger focus, as they also want to do well in the Nedbank Cup, in which they will face Golden Arrows at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday night (6pm kick-off).

“The domestic cup and the league, which is our bread and butter, is where we are putting our focus mostly,” Nkwali said. “So, we want to do well in the games and cups that we are involved in.

“I can’t, however, say that we are focusing on one cup and not the other. We want to do well in all the games we play.”

Stellies’ change in approach comes in the early days of coach Gavin Hunt, who replaced Steve Barker late last year. But Nkwali argues that is not what prompted the adjustment in their approach, as they wanted to compete for all trophies.

“There’s not much difference,” Nkwali stated. “It’s just that coach Steve has his own personality, and coach Gavin has his own as well.”

Nkwali added that they are getting used to Hunt’s personality and coaching methodologies with every passing game, which will help them blend together with time.

“It’s going well with the new coach,” Nkwali said. “He’s getting to know us better, and we are getting to know him better as well. So, it’s just a matter of the relationship growing as we go on.”

Hunt has wasted little time stamping his authority at the Winelands-based side, bolstering the team with experienced players such as Olisah Ndah, Mosa Lebusa, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Wayde Jooste, and Kobamelo Kodisang during the January transfer window.

The signing of established names in the PSL top-flight had become somewhat of a foreign concept at Stellies under Barker, who primarily invested in the club's youth, despite running the risk of losing them to local giants or clubs abroad. Nkwali, though, has welcomed Hunt’s approach, stressing the importance of bringing in experienced players at this time of the season.

“They’ve been doing the job for us at Stellies. They’ve come in and made an impact in certain ways,” Nkwali said. “I am happy with them, and I am sure that the entire Stellies family is happy with them.”

“We needed the experience because we didn’t start the league very well. So, we needed stability across the pitch this season.”

Hunt is a serial winner at heart. Having been scrutinised for being out of touch with modern football, his stint at Stellies could prove to be his revival. Their focus on the league and Ke Yona Cup could just head him in the right direction, regardless of Wednesday night's result in the Premiership against Magesi.

*Mihlali Baleka is Independent Media's senior football reporter and a panelist on the group's soccer podcast, The D-Line, which is exclusive on our YouTube channel The Clutch