Supersport United's change of approach leaves coaches in limbo

A change of approach from the SuperSport United hierarchy has left more than five coaches who were interviewed for the vacant coaching job in limbo with the revelations that Gavin Hunt is heading back to the club as the head coach.

SABC Sport reported earlier today that Hunt could be unveiled as early as this Friday on a three-year deal pending the approval of the board.

The public broadcaster has learnt that more than five coaches currently unattached, including interim mentor Andre Arendse, Fadlu Davids (ex-Orlando Pirates), Ernst Middendorp (ex-Maritzburg United), Dan œ Dance Malesela (formerly with Marumo Gallants) as well counterpart Lehlohonolo Seema (ex-Golden Arrows) were all interviewed last week for the vacant job.

READ:Revealed: SSU™s offer to Hunt

It is also believed that there was a Spanish coach who was considered as part of this process.

United have been without a permanent head coach since the sacking of Kaitano Tembo towards the end of last season and Arendse has been holding the fort and managed to help the team sneak into the top eight at the conclusion of the DSTV Premiership last season.

Early indications were that United was looking for a fresh face as their main coach and not someone who had been there before, as they embark on another youthful project, including the current nationwide recruitment drive for the development programmes.

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But the latest developments mean that they want to reunite with Hunt, a man who made history with Amatsatsansa a Pitori becoming the first coach to lead a club to three consecutive league titles between 2007 and 2010.

œI see that they have not taken someone who was on the panel. I think it™s possible that there was a change of approach from somewhere within the club, because I was also interviewed last week but I read now in the media that they are going for Gavin. And I don™t remember his name being raised as one of those who went for interviews, said one of the interviewed coaches who opted to remain anonymous.

United are expected to return for pre-season this week ahead of the 2022/2023 season , with tests being done on Friday and commencing their pre-season training programme on Sunday.

By Velile Mnyandu