SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt has openly expressed his mixed feelings about the club's current trajectory and player turnover, particularly following the departure of promising young talent Shandre Campbell to Belgium's Club Brugge KV.
While the move is a significant step for Campbell, it raises broader concerns about the club's ambition and stability. Campbell, a 19-year-old standout who quickly made his mark after being thrust into the first team at the start of last season, managed to impress with five goals and six assists across 30 appearances in all competitions.
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His rapid development and subsequent transfer have been both celebrated and lamented within the club, especially by Hunt, who sees such moves as a double-edged sword. In a candid interview with Marawa Sports Worldwide, Hunt shared his frustration over the continuous loss of key players, which he believes hampers the team's continuity and growth.
"For the boy, for the club it's fantastic! But obviously for me personally it's very frustrating because you do so much work and see it coming now and the benefit and then he moves on. I have only been back here two years. You had Thapelo Maseko - he went, great season and I know he (was) going to be great for us, he moves on," Hunt told Marawa Sports Worldwide.
The pattern of losing star players is not new to Hunt, who witnessed similar scenarios during his first tenure with the club from 2007 to 2013. The recent departures of Patrick 'Tito' Maswanganyi to Orlando Pirates and Maseko to Mamelodi Sundowns have only added to the challenge, sparking questions about the club's direction among the remaining players.
"Tito at Pirates, same thing, just came into the fold and then they are gone. So, that's been the frustrating part for me and for the players.
"The players that stay go like 'coach, are we ambitious or what?' and now I got to answer questions; 'ja, we want to win' but what's happening here (is that) players are all leaving and players ask questions and that's what they do.
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"Players overseas... they don't want to sign contracts, they are like 'who's coming in? Are you leaving, are we ambitious?' A guy like Bradley Grobler has been through good times, down times, up again and he has been fantastic," Hunt further noted.
Despite these challenges, Hunt remains committed to the club, having recently signed a new two-year contract to continue leading the Tshwane giants. His experience and leadership are seen as crucial as SuperSport United navigates this period of transition and aims to rebuild a competitive squad capable of challenging for honours.
As SuperSport United look to the future, the balance between developing talent for sale and maintaining a competitive team dynamic remains a delicate one. Hunt's leadership will be key in steering the club through these uncertain times, ensuring that player development and team ambitions are aligned.
