NO TIME FOR DATA... Coach Gavin Hunt insists Stellenbosch FC’s classic playing style remains effective, despite critics calling it old-fashioned.
Image: Stellenbosch FC
In a world increasingly driven by data, Stellenbosch FC’s coach Gavin Hunt stands up for traditional football values.
After Friday evening’s Betway Premiership 1-1 draw between visitors TS Galaxy and hosts Stellenbosch at the Danie Craven Stadium, Hunt told the media that innovation shouldn’t come at the cost of passion and instinct on the pitch.
Hunt made it clear that he does not subscribe to the modern football philosophy dominated by data analytics and technology. Instead, he believes that these trends have diluted the essence of the game.
“So I never came out and said, ‘Well, I play modern football now,’ which is some guy sitting with a laptop,” Hunt explained, emphasising how these approaches are “ruining the game.”
According to Hunt, over-reliance on statistics has overshadowed the invaluable instinct and experience that coaches develop during training. He advocates a style of football that prioritises traditional preparation, asserting that genuine understanding and human interaction are essential to the coaching process.
“The laptop is not going to tell you to make a change now with five minutes to go. There’s too much of that going on in football, and it’s destroying the game,” Hunt added. “Football’s got to lead data, data can’t lead football.”
The coach isn’t shy about advocating for a more offensive approach. He lamented the trend of using a solitary striker, which he believes diminishes goal-scoring opportunities and excitement. Hunt argued fervently for a dual-striker system, stating: “Once we went two strikers, it was a different game ... There was more thrust, but it also leaves us a bit short in midfield sometimes.”
His enthusiasm for goalmouth action stood out as he emphasised the significance of dynamic play, which he believes is overlooked by contemporary strategies that prioritise tactics and statistics. With an unbeaten streak under his belt, it will be interesting to see how Hunt’s philosophy plays out as the season progresses.
Next up for Stellenbosch is a Premiership away game against Golden Arrows FC at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday evening.