Gavin Hunt looks set to take over as the new head coach of Kaizer Chiefs, a reliable source has revealed.
GAVIN Hunt looks set to take over as the new head coach of Kaizer Chiefs, a reliable source has revealed.
Even though the former Bidvest Wits coach denied having received any offers when asked for comment yesterday morning, Hunt is believed to be on his way to Amakhosi.
“Chiefs have engaged Gavin Hunt. He is also keen on joining Chiefs. He is expected to bring his own assistant and that’s why Chiefs had to release Shaun Bartlett. They have to iron out a few things and the deal should be announced officially,” the source stated.
Dismal spell
Amakhosi fired Ernst Middendorp on Monday after his dismal spell with the club. The German endured turbulent times in his second tenure with the Glamour Boys.
He was stunned 1-0 by TS Galaxy last season in the Nedbank Cup final. It was the first time that a South African PSL team was beaten in the final by an opponent campaigning in a lower division.
Shortly after that Nedbank Cup embarrassment at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Amakhosi failed to finish in the top eight. Then, in the recently-concluded season, Chiefs looked like they were on their way to league glory having been at the summit of the table since last year September. But in the last game of the season Mamelodi Sundowns snatched the title from their grasp – or should we say, Chiefs let it slip?
Two days after that final match of the season, Chiefs decided to end Middendorp’s contract which still had a year before expiry.
When asked about Chiefs yesterday, Hunt denied that he has been offered a job at Naturena. “No, no, I don’t have any offers at the moment. I have nothing,” responded Hunt.
Hunt’s name was on the lips of many soon after the Glamour Boys failed to secure the league honours as he became jobless following the sale of Bidvest Wits. Many see him as the solution to Chiefs’ lack of silverware in the last half a decade.
Hunt is one of the most decorated coaches in the history of South African football. His record speaks volumes where he’s coached. During his stint with Moroka Swallows, the 58-year-old delivered the ABSA Cup.
After vacating his position as the head coach of Swallows, he joined SuperSport United where he won three league titles on the trot. He then moved to Wits, winning them their first ever league title in 2016/17.
An attempt to get hold of Visa Maphosa who is the Communications Manager at Amakhosi proved futile as his phone rang unanswered yesterday.
Should Hunt agree to assume the hotseat at Naturena, the Soweto giants will be pinning their hopes on him to end their longest trophy drought, having not won any silverware in five years.
