Hunt battling FIFA break and injury concerns ahead of Chiefs clash
Coach Gavin Hunt has shed light on the challenge of a prolonged FIFA international break and a spate of injuries as his Stellenbosch FC side prepares to take on Kaizer Chiefs.
The Maroons have travelled to Johannesburg where they are set to take on Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday evening, in what will be the Club’s first match in nearly a month since the 1-0 win over Kruger United 19 September.
That result was followed by an extended three-week international break, which Stellies coach Gavin Hunt says did little to help his preparations or alleviate his concerns on the injury front.
“It’s been a longer FIFA break than normally, so I think everyone is ready to play and ready to go but it was a bit of a hinderance,” Hunt said.
“I think the whole world will feel that way because three weeks is a long time, and it’s very difficult to keep training for that amount of time and to stay motivated. Unfortunately, we weren’t really able to make the most of it either because we have so many players out – and that’s not to make excuses – but it’s been tough with so many out injured.”
Notwithstanding those concerns, which stem from the absences of the likes of Mosa Lebusa, Surprise Nhlabathi, and Orlando Mbembe, among others, the coach remains excited for the tie and for the challenge of fielding a competitive side.
“It’s always a game that people are excited to play in,” he added. “We’re looking forward to it and hoping there will be a nice crowd, which I am sure there will be. It’s another away game, it’s now six out of eight for us so far [including the home fixture played in Durban], but we have to face it, confront it and get the best possible team out there from what we have available.
“…The most important thing for us is to get a team out there that is fit to play. Our injury list is huge, and that detracts a little bit, but we will be competitive and that’s the most important thing.”