Steve Barker, head coach of Stellenbosch FC warm up before match during the CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 match between CR Belouizdad and Stellenbosch at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers , Algeria on 25 January 2026 ©Djaffar Ladjal/BackpagePix
Monday Jan 26, 2026. 13:28
Stellenbosch head coach Gavin Hunt has hinted at new arrivals joining the club following his side’s 2-0 loss to CR Belouizdad in the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday.
The Cape Winelands based side slipped-up at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers, conceding an early goal in the 5th minute and another from the penalty spot in the game’s dying moments.
“The speed and the pace of the game certainly caught us there. And, but I thought, you know, it was a bad start, but we grew ourselves into the game a little bit more. You know, we’re a very young side competing against very experienced players,” said Hunt, speaking after the game.
“The next match will be a totally different game. It will be played in the afternoon in very hot conditions, which will suit us. We’re not used to playing in these conditions, our players. So it’ll be totally different. We’ll have three or four players signed by then as well.”
During the current transfer window, Stellenbosch lost Andre de Jong to Orlando Pirates and Lehlohonolo Mojela to Sekhukhune United, but have bolstered their ranks as well.
The club has brought in Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa on loan, who scored on his debut against Sekhukhune, PSL veteran Wayde Jooste, Kobamelo Kodisang on loan from Sundowns and Mosa Lebusa, also from Sundowns on a short-term deal.
Kodisang and Lebusa are yet to play for their new outfit.
“You know, obviously our window is open in our league, so we’re looking to strengthen out there. And those players are back training there, so they’ll definitely come into the squad. You know, Mamelodi Sundowns players, three or four of them, so we’ll be a better team, that’s for sure,” Hunt said.
After Sunday’s loss, Stellenbosch sit second in group C, two points behind Belouizdad and level with Singida Black Stars.
Hunt was quick to remind members of the media that his side is young as well as the club itself, but has the pedigree to go far in the competition.
“This is a new club, seven, eight years old club. It’s done very, very well and maybe overachieved a little bit too early, you know, to play in these competitions. But we’re learning and we will get better, believe me. I’ve been to the Champions League finals, semifinals, I’ve been there, so I know that we will get better, no doubt.”
By Nic Gleeson