Gavin Hunt calls for some ‘razzmatazz’ to bring back fans

SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt has challenged the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to be more innovative to add some much-needed excitement when it comes to domestic cup competitions.

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The ex-Hellenic player, who is one of the most successful coaches in the history of South African football with four league titles to his name, expressed his wish to have “double headers” in the League.

The dwindling numbers in the stands during DStv Premiership games is a cause for concern in South African football and Hunt believes the League should be more creative to get more bums on seats.

The 59-year-old reminisced on his playing days where supporters would be treated to back-to-back matches at the same venue and thus providing more value for stadium attendance.

“Maybe, the PSL should look at this, but I think we should do a little bit of razzmatazz with these competitions and more,” Hunt said ahead of their Carling Knockout last 16 clash against Polokwane City on Sunday.

“And play double headers like we used to do at Ellis Park. Especially for this SuperSport and Polokwane game to create a good vibe. I would have definitely taken the Polokwane City game and mixed it with another game to play a double header.

“In my days we used to play in the John Player Special Cup (an old version of the Carling Knockout). You always had two teams who had no crowds like Hellenic and Wits. And then you had Orlando Pirates play Highlands Park and you had 50 thousand people at the stadium that all came for Pirates but at least it created a vibe.”

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Before Carling Knockout replaced Telkom as the title sponsor, Hunt led Bidvest Wits to the title in the 2017 final against Mamelodi Sundowns. Although he values the added incentives that come with winning cup competitions, Hunt thinks the league still remains the big fish to catch.

“I’m old-fashioned, the league is more important to me. I always say that to be the best club is where you end up after 30 games,” he said.

“Obviously, cup competitions are lucrative for the club owners and players. It creates a vibe and that’s very good. We’re very fortunate in South Africa to have these cup competitions over the last 30 or 40 years. But the league for me is really where you should be judged.”