Stop hiring coaches based on accents, rather go local: Gavin Hunt

Bidvest Wits head coach Gavin Hunt has joined the foreign coach versus fresh young South African blood debate, arguing that new faces like Rulani Mokwena must be given an opportunity.

The current Orlando Pirates coach has been in the spotlight over the past five weeks after being handed the reins of the Buccaneers on an interim basis.

Although the majority of the country has welcomed the appointment, there is a section of supporters that still feel Mokwena is too young and lacks experience at the top level. But Hunt says he would rather have a young South African in the position rather than an average foreigner with a fancy accent.

The question of foreign and young coaches has been a hot topic of late, especially with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) coaching merry-go-round now in full swing.

Three coaches have lost their jobs in the past 10 days, with some clubs opting for inexperienced locals and others going the foreign route.

There is also the debate over recycling coaches and the familiar faces just switching allegiances.

Hunt says that modern football needs bright young minds – people who understand the times and developing patterns of the global game.

Hunt has added that it is a really exciting time to be involved in South African football.

Apart from Mokwena, SAFA recently made a left-field selection by naming Molefi Ntseki as the new Bafana Bafana coach, while 10 of the 16 Absa Premiership clubs are led by locals.

Although most of those are quite experienced now, the Bidvest Wits coach was especially pleased with the new faces that are starting to take charge on a weekly basis.

– Report by Thahir Asmal