Stellenbosch FC coach Gavin Hunt.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/ Independent Media
Stellenbosch FC coach Gavin Hunt is looking to maximise home advantage when they face TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership at the Danie Craven Stadium on Friday night.
Stellies have endured a gypsy-like existence over the past couple of seasons, being forced to play their CAF Confederation Cup matches at venues all around the country, while their domestic Cup fixtures have also regularly been spread between Athlone Stadium and DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
But the Maroons are back at their favoured home patch on Friday in a crucial clash in the battle for top eight spots.
“It's always positive (playing at home) because, you know, you're not packing in a suitcase, you know what I mean, people don't understand that and even though it's a couple of hours away, it's still the drag of getting up and down, but so we're happy to be at home, I'm very happy to be back at Danie Craven,” Hunt said.
“And you know me and Friday nights, I love Friday night football, I think it's the best time to play and hopefully we can get a positive result.”
Hunt’s charges will certainly be heading into the clash against the Nedbank Cup semi-finalists with plenty of confidence. After staring the relegation zone in the face, the experienced mentor has managed to turn things around with Stellies unbeaten in their last three Betway Premiership matches, which includes an away victory over Hunt’s former team Kaizer Chiefs.
“We're looking forward to the game, obviously it's, you know, number eight will be number nine so it's a real tight game and obviously we're looking at home to take advantage, but I mean it won't be easy.
“They're a good side and they can always bring a surprise. Confidence can also turn, you know. Everybody's got to do their jobs, everybody's got to make sure to be on it and when we don't have the ball.
“Everybody's looking to get it back and when we have the ball, everybody's looking to play and try and be positive and try and create chances.”
After replacing the long-time Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker in late January, Hunt also feels that he is finally starting to settle in at winelands club, having been able to work his players on a more consistent basis, and thereby feels his message is starting to land with the players.
“It's been the first time we've had a bit of a week to train because obviously the last two months have been hectic, but I don't know if it's good or bad, but I think we're sort of into the rhythm of playing three games a week,” he added.
Kick-off is at 7:30pm.