Gavin Hunt targets home advantage as Stellenbosch host Magesi in the Betway Premiership

Stellenbosch FC will be hoping to turn the page on recent disappointment when they return to familiar surroundings to host Magesi FC at the Danie Craven Stadium on Wednesday evening (7.30pm kick-off).

After a painful exit from the CAF Confederation Cup, Stellenbosch now shift their full focus to domestic matters. A return to their long-time home venue could provide the reset they need as they look to finish the Betway Premiership season strongly after spending much of the campaign hovering near the relegation zone. 

With continental commitments now behind them, the Cape Winelands side will aim to channel their energy into securing a comfortable league position.

Since taking over from Steve Barker — who departed earlier this season to join Simba SC — coach Gavin Hunt has overseen a steady improvement in league results.

The team remains unbeaten in the Premiership under his leadership and currently sits in 12th place. Reinforcements brought in during the January transfer window have added depth and quality, strengthening belief that the club can steer clear of danger.

The club has also recently announced the signing of former Orlando Pirates defender Olisa Ndah, who will add quality into a defence that has struggled to keep goals out this season

Meetings between Stellenbosch and Magesi have historically been closely contested. In their three encounters so far, each side has claimed one victory along with a draw, underlining how evenly matched the teams are. 

With both clubs still within reach of the lower end of the table and separated by only four points, Wednesday’s clash carries significant importance.

Hunt expressed his excitement about returning to the renovated Danie Craven Stadium while stressing the importance of making home advantage count.

“It’s important to be back home, and we are very happy to be back in front of our home supporters,” said Hunt. 

“It will be my first game here as well, so I am really excited and looking forward to it.

“Because of where we are, and where they are in the league, it’s important for us to try to get a good result and move away from the position we’re in.”

Although Stellenbosch have the advantage of games in hand, Hunt cautioned against assuming those fixtures automatically translate into points.

“It won’t be easy because we have a few games to catch up — we’re three games behind everyone now — and that doesn’t mean guaranteed points. 

"At home, we have to make it count, be on the front foot, and play with good energy and purpose,” he explained.

“Domestically, we’ve been okay and have won both games since I arrived. Obviously, our form in Africa wasn’t good, but that was a very experimental situation for me to give everyone an opportunity. Now we need to knuckle down and try to get a consistent team out there.

“That’s going to be the most important thing, and then we can take it from there.”

Stellenbosch will next face Kaizer Chiefs on 24 October in the league in what is quickly developing into a competitive rivalry between the two sides. That fixture forms part of a demanding schedule in which the club will play four matches in just 12 days including a Nedbank Cup fixtures against Golden Arrows this Saturday.

Hunt believes maintaining rhythm through regular matches could benefit his squad as they push for consistency in the final stretch of the season.

“I think it’s important for players not to have too many breaks between games — even a week can feel too long. You need mid-week matches, and that’s good for us.

“I’ve always said, good or bad — when you lose, you want to play again, and when you win, you want to keep the momentum going.”

* Obakeng Meletse is Independent Media’s multi-sport writer. For fresh video content, follow TheClutch or click the link on the side. YouTube channel The Clutch