Stellenbosch FC head coach Gavin Hunt has opened up on losing two key players at the beginning of the season in Langelihle Phili and Devin Titus.
Stellenbosch has lost several key players almost every season. In this campaign, they were close to retaining most of their team members they rely on but a thunderstorm struck when Kaizer Chiefs came knocking for Phili just before the kickoff of the 2026/27 season.
Titus even played the opening two league games against AmaZulu FC and scored against Polokwane City in their 3-3 draw. The following morning he was confirmed to be joining Moroccan champions Maghreb Fes which left Hunt with no choice but to look for quick replacements as the transfer window was closer to closing.
Speaking with the media during the Carling Knockout draw, Hunt stated that his experience played a huge role in shaping the side as he had to get a quick fix after losing the key players.
“I lost my two biggest attacking weapons Phili and Titus; Phili left the week of the first game; he did the whole pre-season; Titus left after the second game, the Tuesday night we played against Polokwane City; he left on Wednesday,” Hunt told the media.
“We lost attacking big weapons. In our first game of the season, I had to play two DDC players on the wings. Lucky with a lot of experience I can make a plan; at the end of the day it’s not easy.
“We’ve got six or seven players who made their debut this year and are not making their debuts by filling in but by starting.”