Gavin Hunt to unleash Mamelodi Sundowns reinforcements as Stellies eye Belouizdad response

Stellenbosch FC coach Gavin Hunt believes his side will emerge stronger from their Caf Confederation Cup setback against CR Belouizdad as they prepare for a decisive return leg, with squad reinforcements also set to boost their campaign.

Stellies suffered their first defeat of the group stages on Sunday evening after going down 2–0 to the Algerian outfit, a result that leaves the Cape Winelands side second in the group standings, two points adrift of Belouizdad at the halfway mark.

The Cape Winelands side were originally scheduled to face Golden Arrows on Wednesday, but with their continental commitments, the clash has been postponed. This has afforded Hunt valuable time to refocus his squad ahead of a crucial return leg that could play a major role in determining their chances of progressing to the next round.

Reflecting on the loss, Hunt admitted that his side struggled to cope with the early intensity but insisted the experience would serve as an important learning curve for his relatively young squad.

“We wanted to see out the first 20 minutes to try and get a foothold in the game,” Hunt said during the post-match press conference.

“But the speed and pace of the game certainly caught us off guard. It was a difficult start, but I thought we grew into the game a little more. We are a young side competing against very experienced players.

“It was a great learning curve for us. The conditions were challenging and something we are not used to, but that’s how you learn in football. It was a big lesson for our team.”

Stellenbosch will now have only a few days to prepare as they once again go into battle against the Sead Ramovic-led side. Despite the former TS Galaxy coach having been away from South African football for more than a season, his familiarity with the local game and continental competition adds an extra layer of intrigue to the clash.

Hunt also pointed to contrasting weather conditions between the two countries as a potential factor that could work in his side’s favour when they meet again.

“The next match will be a completely different game,” he explained.

“It will be played in the afternoon, in very hot conditions, which may suit us. We’re not used to playing in those conditions either, so it will be a totally different challenge, but one we have to prepare for properly and take advantage of if we can.”

With the transfer window still open, the experienced coach confirmed that the club is actively strengthening its squad. Stellies have already added Tshegofatso Mabasa from Orlando Pirates and experienced defender Mosa Lebusa, while several players from Mamelodi Sundowns are also set to bolster the squad and could feature in the upcoming match.

“We will have three or four players signed by then as well,” Hunt revealed. 

“We are looking to strengthen our squad, and those players are back training and will definitely come into the team.

“The three or four players from Mamelodi Sundowns are back training and will add to the squad. We believe we will be a stronger and better team going forward.”