Hunt: Financial strain forcing PSL clubs to turn to youth

DURBAN City head coach Gavin Hunt has offered a candid assessment of the financial realities shaping the Betway Premiership, suggesting that rising costs and shrinking budgets are forcing clubs to turn to younger players in order to survive.

- SMISO MSOMI

Hunt, 61, took charge of newly promoted Durban City at the start of the season and has long been a believer in giving youngsters a platform.

Across his decorated career at SuperSport United, Kaizer Chiefs and Bidvest Wits, the veteran coach has handed hundreds of opportunities to untested players - a philosophy that appears to be even more relevant in the current climate.

“It’s changing, hey. I think financially it’s a problem, teams can't afford to pay big wages, so they've decided to go younger with their squads all over the world,” he said.

“There’s quite a lot of unknown players in the PSL right now because it’s cheaper. You'll find a lot of squads are going younger, fresher and cheaper and try to build from there rather than have bigger earners and the team doesn't achieve.”