By: Thamisanqa Dlamini and Siyabonga Ngcobo

Supersport United Head Coach Gavin Hunt has requested the club to release him from his contract, a club statement said on Wednesday.

Hunt has been with United since 2007 and saw great success with the club over his six season tenure, winning three consecutive Absa Premiership titles, as well as the 2011/2012 Nedbank Cup.

Football Director at United, Stanley Matthews said, “Gavin approached us and requested to be released. After a long discussion, we have agreed to do so.

“Gavin has been a fantastic asset to the club over the last six years. He has brought the club tremendous success and he will be sorely missed.”

Matthews also said Hunt will remain very close to their hearts, not only for the success he has brought the club, but also for his character and their great relationship.

United finished sixth in the Absa premiership and made two cup finals, the MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup this season.

According to the Premier Soccer League website, Hunt said, “It’s a very difficult time for me; I am doing this with a very heavy heart.”

The news of Hunt leaving United for the Clever Boys started earlier this year, but the coach was denying the rumours until Wednesday when the club confirmed his departure.

On the other side the Chief Executive Officer of Wits, Jose Ferreira, in a statement expressed their joy of appointing Hunt as their new head coach. He said, “We are delighted to have been able to secure the serves of Gavin Hunt as our Head Coach. He has an impressive CV not only with Supersport United but with every other club he has coached prior to that.”

He added that they have signed a long term contract with him and to have a coach with such expertise, they are expecting to become an excessive force within the PSL.

He has signed a three-year deal with an option to renew for another 12 months.

Supersport United Head Coach Gavin Hunt has found a new home at Bidvest Wits shortly after resigning from the club on Wednesday. Image by Backpagepix