Stellenbosch might have taken a 3-0 drubbing on Sunday in the African Confederation Cup but new Stellenbosch coach Gavin Hunt was in buoyant mood on Tuesday ahead of their Nedbank Cup first round tie against holders Kaizer Chiefs at Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday.
He spoke to SuperSport.com ahead of the opening tie of this year’s competition
ON PLAYING THE HOLDERS FIRST UP
“When the draw was made, I knew we were going to draw one of these teams, because you normally play them in the league again in two weeks’ time. It normally works like that, but, yeah, it's certainly a nice game to play because of, obviously ,the atmosphere. And obviously, certainly, it puts us right into a situation where we've got to be honest, it's really a tough game. They're really in good form. So we're looking forward to the game.”
ON THE PLAYERS BEING NERVOUS AS CHIEFS ARE A HOODOO CLUB FOR STELLENBOSCH
“We played on Sunday, so we really you haven't really had much time to think about this game. I think the most important thing is there's always a good atmosphere there. There's a big crowd, and I think that as a football player, you always want to play in those arenas, you know what I mean? I think if you look at Sunday, my goodness, you know, it was really quiet and it will be a very different arena on Wednesday.
So I think players really generally enjoy these occasions. Who excels and who can show their true ability is always a question, because it takes different types of players to play in that arena? But as an outsider looking in on Stellenbosch against Chiefs, they have not had a lot of luck. Unlucky red cards and disputed goals.
Sometimes you need a little bit of luck. I can't really talk too much about what's gone on in the past. I look at it differently maybe. I look at it as a nice big challenge for us as a club, and I’m looking forward to it.”
ON WHAT HE EXPECTS FROM CHIEFS
“I think if you look at their players, they're much more settled than we are. We’ve had a lot of new players come in. You don't normally do a lot of activity in the January window, so it's difficult, but I think we needed to have a few players come in, in certain areas and certainly they will help us in the long term.
"Obviously these type of games are good for us, you know, especially when the league comes around, because really at the end of the day, we need to improve our league position, that's for sure. So they have much more settled team and obviously they're on a better run than us. They've won quite a few games now.
"They haven't conceived many goals, which is testament to the coaching staff and the players. They lost their coach (Nasreddine Nabi) early season and the new coaches have stepped in and done really a good job, in my opinion. You’ve got to give them credit, that's for sure.
"I think the real truth of the matter is, you do find players get a little bit more roused because they know it's going to be a good atmosphere against Chiefs. These games have a different vibe together and being a cup game obviously gives it a little bit more as well because it's really just one chance, but I don't prepare any differently.
"There's no different in preparation in thought, about how and what we try and do. Obviously, we have looked at the opposition, what we think, how they will set themselves up but let them try and hopefully worry a little bit more about us. But we certainly need to play, and without fear of what (Chiefs) can bring.
"They have a good side and they certainly, as I said, are much more settled now. They're much more free flowing. And once you won a few games like they've won, you get a little bit of confidence back in the team, which they have done. And the league position doesn't lie.
"I always say the league position doesn't lie. Sometimes you can have success in cups but your league position tells what level you are at. And they're doing very well, they could win the league this year.”
ON THE DEATH OF RESERVE TEAM PLAYER JEANDRE GAFFOOR IN A WEEKEND DROWNING ACCIDENT
“I don't really want to talk too much about it because not really my place, but it's really sad what's happened, it's tragic. Young boy like that, who's only really starting his football career. And we can only support the family, which the club is doing.
"We must just try and keep them in our thoughts and prayers, and if anything, can we do it for the youngster tomorrow and give a good performance, and if it brings any little bit of extra motivation or feeling about the place, we certainly will try and remember him, by winning a game of football.
"That doesn't take away the sadness, but it can help the atmosphere around the place a little bit more. Saying that there's more important things than football sometimes, which is life and which has happened. So a very sad occasion.
"Internally, the club has handled it all exceptionally well, as best we can do, and we can only give support to the family and friends and teammates who feel it also, those guys who were really close to the boy.”
ON PLAYING THE MATCH IN CAPE TOWN RATHER THAN STELLENBOSCH
“I think Chiefs are more dangerous away from home than are at Soccer City, because they get bigger support away from them, don't they? Durban, Cape Town, PE. They get more people there than their home games.
"Let's be honest. We know that. There'll certainly be more support here in Cape Town than Soccer City. But I think it's fantastic, good for South African football. I mean, look at last week, at Orlando Pirates, the crowd they got for the Magesi game. Come on! Fantastic. And there's a real push in the local league to get more people in the stadium, which has been fantastic.
"So you've got to commend everybody. But we've got to give you something to market as well. You know what I mean? You need a team that's winning. And look at Pirates and what they've done well this year. Sponsors are flooding in there, same as Chiefs, you know. Great!”