OFFICIAL: SuperSport United shockingly sack former Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt after a string of poor results that now sees the club sinking into the relegation zone

The 2024-25 season has been a difficult one for Gavin Hunt, with just five wins in 21 league games. The continuous loss of key players to bigger clubs has not helped his cause.

Since his return, Hunt has seen talents like Thalente Mbatha, Thapelo Maseko, Keagan Johannes, and Shandre Campbell depart.

As a result, he has had to rely on players promoted from the reserve team, which has contributed to the team’s decline.

The club has now decided to part ways with him, releasing a statement confirming that Andre Arendse and Grant Johnson would take over.

They will be tasked with guiding one of the league’s powerhouses back to safety.

The statement released by the club read, "SuperSport United FC and Head Coach Gavin Hunt have reached a mutual agreement to part ways with immediate effect.

"This was Hunt’s second stint for Matsatsantsa, which lasted two and a half seasons, with the team finishing 3rd in the 2022/23 season and 7th in the 2023/24 season in the league competition.

"The 60-year-old Hunt achieved a special milestone in February this year, having reached 1000 PSL Games as Head Coach, which is a first in South African football and is unlikely to be easily surpassed."

"The board and management of the Club have expressed their appreciation to Hunt for the work he has done as Head Coach over many years," the statement continued.

"We remain convinced that Gavin still has much to contribute to South African and African football given his extensive knowledge and experience and will always remain grateful for the impact he has had on the club and South African football.

"We wish Gavin well in his future endeavours. Andre Arendse will serve as an interim Head Coach with Goalkeeper Coach Grant Johnson as his assistant."

The 60-year-old coach is renowned for identifying and developing young talent. He played a key role in launching the career of Benni McCarthy, who became one of South Africa's biggest exports.

One of Hunt’s recent protégés, Shandre Campbell, has already secured a move to Belgium with Club Brugge. The youngster made the squad for the UEFA Champions League, though his side was eliminated by Aston Villa.

During the January transfer window, Hunt promoted Mandlenkosi Nkosi, Oratilwe Moloisane, and Siyabonga Ndebele. The latter made an immediate impact, winning the Man of the Match award on his Nedbank Cup debut.

The new coaching duo will face a tough challenge in their first match against Cape Town City. Their opponents have also undergone technical changes, bringing in Roger De Sá. The match will be crucial for SuperSport as they aim to turn their season around.