Hunt embraces youth-first approach in Durban City’s top-flight debut

DURBAN City head coach Gavin Hunt has thrown his weight behind the youth revolution currently sweeping through the Betway Premiership — and believes the shift will benefit South African football for years to come.

- SMISO MSOMI

The veteran coach will lead newly promoted Durban City in their first-ever topflight campaign, with survival the immediate priority. But Hunt’s blueprint goes beyond staying up - it’s about building a team with long-term intent.

City’s squad features a blend of seasoned professionals and emerging talent, though the emphasis is clearly on youth. Hunt, renowned for his work with young players in previous roles, has doubled down on that approach in KwaZulu-Natal.

“If you look at the PSL as a whole, the majority of clubs are changing the course of how they want to do things —they’re going with a bit more youth,” Hunt told the media.