New era, same belief: Titus welcomes Hunt as Stellenbosch FC eye Kaizer Chiefs test

Stellenbosch FC utility-player Devin Titus believes the arrival of veteran coach Gavin Hunt has injected fresh energy into the club as they prepare for a Nedbank Cup showdown against Kaizer Chiefs and a return to domestic competition. 

Stellies were drawn against the defending champions in the Last 32, with the draw conducted in Johannesburg on Thursday night. The fixture is a repeat of last season’s quarter-final, where Amakhosi claimed a 3-1 win on their way to lifting the trophy.

Despite recent history not favouring Stellenbosch in the competition, Titus insists there is no sense of intimidation heading into the encounter, stressing that this is a different side under new leadership.

“Last season was the past and now it’s a different fixture you know, different Stellenbosch team than last season so you can expect something more from Stellenbosch,” Titus said.

Chiefs and Stellies have developed a growing rivalry over recent seasons, with results swinging both ways across competitions. Titus believes the nature of the Nedbank Cup levels the playing field, regardless of league form or reputation.

“You know it’s a love, hate relationship between Stellenbosch and Kaizer Chiefs where they’ve been winning against us but we won the last time but I think the Nedbank Cup is a different fixture compared to the league and the other cups,” he added.

“It’s a once off game, so you just have to win your matches.”

The clash comes at a time of transition for the Cape Winelands outfit following the departure of Steve Barker, who guided the club through the most successful spell in its history. Barker has since been replaced by four-time league-winning coach Hunt, a change that has brought mixed emotions within the squad.

Titus admitted Barker’s exit was a difficult moment, particularly given the role the former coach played in his career.

“Like I said, Barker was the one who gave me my debut so I’m very grateful for him and I’m really sad to see him leave but I know there’s better and greater things for him,” he said.

However, the 23-year-old believes Hunt’s appointment represents an opportunity for growth, pointing to the experienced coach’s pedigree and demanding football philosophy.

“With Gavin Hunt coming in, it’s a bit refreshing you know, the style of football he plays and with all the accolades that he has, matches he has under his belt,” Titus explained. “I know he will give us that oomf that we needed.”

Stellenbosch have endured an inconsistent league campaign, but knockout competitions have often provided a platform for renewed momentum. The Western Cape-based club will have a difficult test against Sekhukhune United to kick off the second round of their campaign on Tuesday.

Now Hunt's men, are precariously placed a point above the relegation zone with 17 games to manufacture a way into the top eight at least.

Having not lost to Babina Noko in the last seven games in all competitions, perhaps this fixture might be the perfect debut for the wiry Hunt and his players.  

As they prepare to face the defending champions and hopefully glide their way up the league standings, Titus believes belief, freshness and a new voice in the dugout could make all the difference when the whistle blows.