Gavin Hunt recounts how Teko Modise’s Orlando Pirates move opened the door to sign Mozambique midfield legend - ‘I ran off the training pitch to sign him'

Elias Pelembe has had a remarkable career in South African football, making over 294 league appearances. He has played for clubs like SuperSport United, Mamelodi Sundowns, Bidvest Wits, and Royal AM, winning four league titles.

When he arrived in South Africa, he had the tough task of replacing Teko Modise, who had just moved to Orlando Pirates. Despite the pressure, Pelembe quickly proved his worth and became a fan favorite. Even at 41, he remains active in his native Mozambique, captaining the national team.

Speaking on Sports Night Amplified with Andile Ncube, coach Gavin Hunt shared how he only needed a few minutes of watching Pelembe in training to decide to sign him. Hunt admitted he was stressed about losing one of his best players but was relieved to find such a quality replacement.

Gavin Hunt shared an incredible story about the arrival of Elias Pelembe on Sports Night Amplified, recalling how unexpected the signing was.

“Pelembe [Elias]. An unbelievable story. He came to us on On, ‘cause we, that was the first year. So we go away pre-season and Teko Modise is my best player. He’s our best player. I don’t wanna lose him. I mean, are you crazy?”

Hunt was shocked when his chairman informed him that Modise was leaving for Orlando Pirates.

“My chairman phones, he said, listen, we have to do the deal. I said, what’s he do? Where is he? What you, you mad or what? He’s our best player. No, he’s going Pirates. Oh. Oh, thanks very much.

"I’m a week away from the season, but I’ve got someone for you.”

When he heard the replacement was from Mozambique, he was skeptical.

“I said, who? He said, no, he’s from Mozambique. I said, Mozambique. They fishermen there, they catch fish there. They’re gonna play now jokingly. You know what I’m saying?. Yeah, yeah. They don’t care. They don’t play.”

“Anyway, this guy comes on his legs the size of toothpicks and he’s like two, he’s 45 kilos. He can’t speak English. I said, oh.”

However, it didn’t take long for Pelembe to prove himself, “Anyway, comes on the training ground [and] I ran off the training ground after 45 minutes to the phone. I said, sign this guy. Sign this guy!”

Pelembe went on to win Player of the Year despite the language barrier.

“That year he couldn’t speak English. I used to have a full go. He said, thank you coach. All he said to me was the whole year. Thank you coach. Thank you Coach. I said, stay here, do this. Okay. Thank you coach.”

Hunt concluded by acknowledging Pelembe’s remarkable journey, saying, “And then you know the rest is history.”

Gavin Hunt has always had an eye for talent, proving his ability to spot and nurture top players. As a former professional footballer for Hellenic, he understands the game at a deep level. He was the man who gave Benni McCarthy his breakthrough at Seven Stars, helping launch his illustrious career.

More recently, he played a key role in the development of Shandre Campbell, who has just been promoted to Club Brugge’s senior team in Belgium.

In SuperSport United’s recent match against Golden Arrows, Hunt reached a significant milestone - coaching his 1,000th professional game.

Having won four league titles with two different clubs, he remains one of the most accomplished coaches in South African football.

After 18 league games, SuperSport United sit in 12th place with 20 points. Their next fixture sees them take on Magesi FC, where they aim to secure an important victory.

Hunt's side will be looking to complete a season double over Magesi after winning their first-round encounter 1-0.

A victory would provide much-needed momentum as they push to climb the table. With 12 league matches left, and Hunt at the helm, SuperSport will back themselves to climb the table back to a competitive position.