Hunt open to signing ex-Chiefs striker

SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt has commented on the prospect of signing for Kaizer Chiefs captain and striker Bernard Parker.

Parker has been training with Matsatsantsa since last week and Hunt says there is certainly a need to fill the position, where the club only has Thamsanqa Gabuza.

The pair previously worked together during the 58-year-old™s stint as coach at Naturena, and Hunt says Parker still has it and could be a good fit to the Matsatsantsa setup.

"Bernard is training with us. Obviously, I'm trying to do something if I can. I think he's a fantastic player but obviously, that's something we'll see [about]. Nothing's been signed or anything yet," said Hunt.

"As a player, I think he's fantastic. He's shown in the last few days at training that he's still got it and I think in that position we do need somebody but obviously, I can't... Nothing's been signed or sealed yet."

Veteran Zimbabwean defender Onismor Bhasera has been selected as the new club captain to replace goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who joined Mamelodi Sundowns on a five-year deal. 

Striker Thamsanqa Gabuza was the vice-captain last season, while new signing Thulani Hlatshwayo also has leadership experience at Orlando Pirates and Bidvest Wits, where he served under Hunt, but the coach says he needs time to first settle into his new environment.

"Bash will be the captain this season, we've got no one else. He's the most experienced, he's a great professional, he's a leader and I think he'll take the role on and lead this team well," Hunt added.

"He had a great season last year and it's important for someone to come in and be verbal and keep standards as high as possible, not only on but off the field, and I'm sure Bash will do a good job. He's got my full support, I chose him, it was a democratic vote from me."

By Charles Baloyi