Veteran football coach Gavin Hunt, recently appointed as the new head coach of newly-promoted Betway Premiership club Durban City, has openly admitted he would still be at the helm of Bidvest Wits if circumstances hadn’t intervened.
Hunt’s unveiling last week marks his return to the coaching dugout after a brief hiatus since his departure from SuperSport United in March.
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Speaking to IOL, the seasoned mentor, known for his multiple league titles, revealed a lingering attachment to the “Clever Boys.”
“I would’ve still been there. But the club got sold,” Hunt lamented, reflecting on the 2020 sale of Bidvest Wits, a move that effectively dismantled the club where he enjoyed significant success.
This sentiment underscores his deep connection to Wits, a period that preceded less successful stints at Kaizer Chiefs and Chippa United before his return to SuperSport in 2022.
Embracing Durban and the Premiership Challenge
Now, Hunt faces a fresh challenge in Durban. Despite his long history of visiting the city as a player since 1981, he’s never actually resided there. “I’ve never lived here. So obviously, I need to find my way around a little bit and get settled,” he explained, acknowledging the personal adjustment required for his new environment.
On the professional front, Hunt is acutely aware of the demands of coaching a newly-promoted side in the top flight. “When you’re coaching a newly promoted side, you’ve got to be clever. The level is up.
The quality is better. The pitches are better. You’ve got to adjust, or you get caught,” he emphasized, highlighting the strategic approach needed to ensure Durban City’s survival and success in the Betway Premiership.
Unwavering Passion for the Game
Hunt admitted that the call from Durban City came as a surprise, but it was a challenge he was eager to embrace. At 61 years old, his passion for coaching remains undimmed.
“I don’t know what happened previously with the other coaches, but I made the decision to come. It’s late, sure, but I’m here now,” he stated with resolve.
His unwavering commitment to the game is evident in his defiant stance against taking a prolonged break from coaching. “The day I lose that passion is the day I stop.
People told me during the two months off to take a break. I said no – if I take a break, it’ll be permanent,” Hunt asserted, underlining his intrinsic drive to be involved in football.
Gavin Hunt’s arrival at Durban City signals a new chapter for both the coach and the club, as they embark on the challenging journey of establishing themselves in South Africa’s top football league.