Stellenbosch coach Gavin Hunt is not concerned that the dramatic churn of personnel at the club could throw the Winelands club off balance and see them struggle in this season’s Betway Premiership campaign.
Stellenbosch have seen an extraordinary 24 players leave, including many of their top stars like Thabo Moloisane, Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Langelihle Phili and Devon Titus, with Hunt introducing inexperienced players since the start of the new season.
“I just felt we were a very nice team last year. But nice, you're not going to win. So we needed more physicality, we needed more power. In the modern game, you're going to need more power, running power, strength,” said Hunt.
“All the players that have left, I wasn't involved in their contracts. I came in January. Most of them had buy-out clauses, options, wanted more money, every single one of the players that's left us has got his own reason why he left.”
Hunt cited the example of Thabo Moloisane, who did not want to renew his contract and had signed a pre-contract instead with Kaizer Chiefs.
“He left and doubled his money. (Ibraheem) Jabaar wanted more money. We can only pay a certain amount. He leaves and goes to Simba. Kazie (Enyinnaya), the right back, wanted more money. So it's not me, chasing them out, you know what I'm saying?
“Phili’s contract was ending. You've got to sell him. Otherwise, he walks for free. So what do you do? Okay, let's sell him, but let's try and do some business here. Get some players. You know what I'm saying?”
Hunt, however, feels he can do something with the players he has.
“I think we've got some really good players. I know what I've got, I know we can mould this thing.
“I think... I’m blowing my trumpet, now, but if there is one thing I'm good at is building teams. I’ve done it for almost 30 years. I know what I need. I know what I want to play, what I want to do, but I need players.
“So, I think the frustration thing is more the timing of the deals. You know, these things take time because there are so many people involved.”