SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt, was not shy with his words in his after match comments on Friday, following his teams superb 2-1 victory over title favorites, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Speaking to SuperSport on the performance of his team in defying the odds in beating Sundowns, Hunt was his usual forthright self.
In explaining the victory and praising his team, Hunt was at pains to point out the battles they face.
First he raised the point that they are “really struggling with numbers. We don’t have players” and “we need bodies”, while stressing that he hopes that they could bring one or two new signings in before the transfer window closes.
More pertinently, Hunt went on to say that they have “fantastic kids, but they need time and we need to be patient with them”.
He then pointedly added the words, “ hopefully we will be given time”.
This is a startling statement given the fact that Hunt’s record at SuperSport is unsurpassed, and that his abilities with this team should be beyond doubt. One would expect that his relationship with the powers that be at the club was absolutely secure, and in particular his long lasting relationship with Stan Mathews the SuperSport CEO. Was it just an off the cuff remark from Hunt, who may be feeling a little insecure about his squad? Or was he using the platform to send a public message to his board that they, and the fans should not expect miracles this season? Or have there been ultimatums and targets set by the board that have left Hunt expecting the worst?
Either way, it’s a strange stance to take given the very early stages of the season, and it being straight after an incredible result in beating by far the best team in the country, and from a coach who should be absolutely secure in his abilities and his job. But stranger things have happened in football.
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