Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt, has advised South African Football Association (SAFA) that Bafana Bafana need a local coach. A coach that will come in on a short-term basis. Just to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Hunt’s reason is that there’s no time to bring in a foreign coach. Because they will take time to know the players yet there’s little time between now and the start of the qualifiers.
The Amakhosi mentor feels SAFA can make a final decision on whoever comes in on a short-term after the World Cup qualifiers.
“There is no doubt that SAFA needs a local coach right now,”
“You’ve got a month to the World Cup qualifiers. So, you can bring a foreign in [but] he’s not going to jump from John to Peter. Hunt said on Radio2000.
“Then you are going to bring a local in. And he will know all the players. He can put a team together in three to four days. I think somebody on a short-term comes in and does a short-term job then you see where you go.
“So, that’s just my opinion. You’ve got a month to the World Cup qualifiers.” He added.
Asked who that local coach should be, Hunt said: “No, I mean there’s plenty of experienced people around that could come in and do the job; in and out on a short-term basis. So, whoever that is.”
“Yes, if somebody gets you through then you say what? There is a four-year deal. And we can build now from here.
“But we need someone to come in and do a short-term job, and try and get to the World Cup.” He reiterated.
Carlos Queiroz and Philippe Troussier are reported to be very interested in the Bafana Bafana job. But Hunt doesn’t think they are the right people for the job right now.
“Fantastic coaches but I mean, they are going to come in and you going to have 29 May as the last game, and 4 June, I think it’s the first World Cup qualifier.” He explained.
“So, you’ve got three days to work with the squad. I mean, you need somebody that knows the players.” Added Hunt.
Hunt was coy when asked if he would consider taking the Bafana Bafana job if SAFA approached him.
“Well… no, look I am dedicated to the game on Thursday and that’s where my biggest focus is on Thursday.” Concluded Hunt.