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.

The veteran coach will lead newly promoted Durban City in their first-ever top-flight 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.

“I’ve always done it, but now you see a club like AmaZulu doing the same — they’ve gone in that direction with players who have speed and explosiveness. You’ll see the same at Durban City, with younger squads becoming the norm for one reason or another.”

“You must never be scared to play young players because they’ll always improve. We need the experience of older players, of course, but youth is the way to go.”

Hunt believes KwaZulu-Natal has always been a hotbed of footballing talent, and now is the time to dig even deeper.

“Durban has always had an abundance of talent from way back, and players from this area have gone on to do big things. Maybe we need to unearth even more by doing what we’re doing now.”

AmaZulu assistant coach Siboniso Vilakazi welcomed Hunt’s arrival in the province, saying it could create a positive ripple effect for youth development across KwaZulu-Natal.

“Our province is one of the richest in terms of talent,” said Vilakazi. “When you have coaches who understand development and trust youngsters like Hunt, then the province will benefit a lot.

“And not just the province, but the national team as well — because if there’s a filtration of good players at the highest level, then Bafana Bafana benefits. We’ve seen it in the past with the likes of Siyabonga Nomvethe and Sibusiso Zuma.”

Durban City have yet to play a minute of Premiership football, but under Gavin Hunt, they already have an identity: youthful, fearless, and focused. The next generation has a platform — and the province is watching.