Gavin Hunt admires Orlando Pirates squad depth ahead of league clash

Hunt points to the three trophies the Buccaneers have won under his counterpart Jose Riveiro in a year as well the fact that Pirates finished runners-up last season – one place above them.

READ: The kids grew up – Gavin Hunt on fielding reserve team for CAF

"They got a far better squad. I mean their squad is magnificent, they've got players in every position it doesn't really matter who goes out and who comes in. I don't really get myself too involved in that but they've got an excellent squad, good coach and they've won two trophies in the last year. Finished second above us last year, and popped us there right at the end which left a bitter taste. They're a good side as I said and they have quality players. They got one of our best players last year, Patrick [Maswanganyi] and he's a mainstay in their team," Hunt said.

It’s expected that SuperSport will still be without key figures like defender Thulani Hlatshwayo, while AFCON-bound Siyanda Xulu appears to have fallen down the pecking order.

Hunt could try refresh the squad again on the back of their CAF Confederation Cup match on Wednesday against Al Hilal Benghazi.

"Obviously the problem, it's well documented, it's no secret, defensively we have problems and we've had problems all year. So, it is what it is, it's another game and obviously, we'll try and come out there, unscathed a little bit but we'll have a go. We always have a go, we play properly and try to do the best we can with what we got," Hunt added. 

While Pirates, according to Hunt, have this heavy artillery, Matsatsantsa recently reintroduced 22-year-old attacker Tenda Matodzi to the first team this season and he got the winning goal last weekend against Moroka Swallows.

Hunt says it was long overdue.

"He's one that should have came through earlier already. I think he's played already two years ago in the Covid times, he just dropped off but sometimes maturity comes but for me I like him. I think he's got gas, I think he's got a bit of x-factor, he's got a cross in him and he's got a goal in him as well. So, hey, it's a long way to go and he's certainly one that we can work with in a position that we really need someone."