Kaizer Chiefs Gavin Hunt

Gavin Hunt, head coach of Kaizer Chiefs during the DStv Premiership 2020/21 game between Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on 23 January 2021 © Shaun Roy/BackpagePix

Kaizer Chiefs: Is Gavin Hunt’s job on the line in Guinea

Gavin Hunt could certainly use a result in the CAF Champions League to keep the Kaizer Chiefs fans and top brass happy.

Kaizer Chiefs Gavin Hunt

Gavin Hunt, head coach of Kaizer Chiefs during the DStv Premiership 2020/21 game between Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on 23 January 2021 © Shaun Roy/BackpagePix

Gavin Hunt isn’t exactly sitting pretty at Kaizer Chiefs right now with the team failing to mount a Premiership title challenge and in danger of missing out on a top-eight finish for the second time in three seasons.

Hunt can’t be blamed for what came before him, and the squad he has had to use was the legacy of previous regimes.

Is Gavin Hunt’s job on the line in Conakry?

Kaizer Chiefs transfer ban has blocked Hunt from refreshing the squad in any way.

Still, the squad at his disposal were all present for Kaizer Chiefs’ title challenge in the 2019/20 season and some fans believe they have seen enough from Hunt.

The influence of the Khosi Nation on Kaizer Chiefs cannot be understated but it will be Hunt’s relationship with the club’s top brass that determines if he survives the season.

Kaizer Chiefs ownership are believed to have set Hunt a minimum target for the end of the season, which includes a top eight finish but it is unclear if the Motaungs have any expectations of Champions League knockout stage football.

The task in Guinea

To reach the last eight of the Caf Champions League, Kaizer Chiefs will need to secure at least a score draw when they face Horoya in Conakry on Saturday evening (10 April).

Last time out Kaizer Chiefs secured a 1-0 win over a largely second string Wydad Casablanca side. The result needs to context of Daniel Akpeyi’s sending off in the 40th minute. 

High expectations at Kaizer Chiefs

Whatever the context, failure to qualify for the quarterfinals of the Caf Champions League will impact the mood of the fans and possibly also Kaizer Chiefs’ board.

On the other hand a Champions League run could do wonders for Hunt’s standing with Kaizer Chiefs and perhaps buy him another season, or at least a transfer window.

Hunt is one of only two men to have coached more than one club to Premiership glory, and his appointment was greeted with guarded optimism. The chief concerns raised upon his appointment were the style of football Hunt’s teams have played and his ability to get the best out of the existing squad without the aid of a transfer period.

Kaizer Chiefs style under Hunt has varied, but the result in the Premiership has been a team that has scored 21 goals in 20 games. Apart from a few spectacular mishaps they have defended quite well.

A sensible analyst should conclude that it is too early to judge Gavin Hunt and it appears likely that he will remain coach as long as he can ensure a top-eight finish in the league.

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