Former Bidvest Wits star Phumlani Ntshangase has shed light on the pivotal role coach Gavin Hunt played in shaping his career, revealing how the coach’s guidance helped him reach new heights.
Ntshangase’s journey to the Wits first team was a testament to his hard work and talent. Rising through the club’s ranks from the reserve team, he caught the eye of coach Hunt, who saw potential in the young midfielder.
At just 19 years old, Ntshangase was promoted to the senior squad in the 2013/14 PSL season.
Under Hunt’s guidance, Ntshangase continued to flourish. His exceptional skills and natural ability quickly made him a key player for Wits. The midfielder’s contributions were instrumental in the team’s historic first-ever PSL title win in the 2016/17 season, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in South African football.
THE ROLE GAVIN HUNT PLAYED IN PHUMLANI NTSHANGASE’S LIFE
Ntshangase mentioned that he owes all his knowledge of the beautiful game to Coach Hunt, who has been like a father figure to him.
The 29-year-old remembered how Hunt used to watch every match he played in when he was part of the reserve team.
“Working with coach Gavin [Hunt] was very nice; I won’t lie. But it wasn’t easy, yet it was very good because that’s where my football life changed,” Ntshangase told FARPost.
“That era is when a lot of things started working out for me. So, all the experience I have today, to be honest with you, is from him [coach Hunt].
“He took me from the academy. He used to watch us play every time, and I was still very young when he threw me in the deep end. At that time, I was playing in every position. I played as number six, centre-back, and left-back.”
‘HE TAUGHT ME HOW TO HANDLE DIFFERENT SITUATIONS’, SAYS PHUMLANI NTSHANGASE
Ntshangase also mentioned that Hunt helped him navigate various situations during games with the help of senior players at the club at that time.
“I mean, the Wits team at that time had a lot of senior players like Tinashe Nengomasha, Matthew Booth, Sibusiso Vilakazi, and Sifiso Moyeni, and I was the youngest player on the team. Starting alongside those guys was something that also helped me and added value to my game,” he added.
“So, working under him was very beneficial for me because he taught me how to handle different situations in matches and various positions. Also, personally, as a player off the field, it doesn’t matter who you are or how good you are. I think the coaches are like fathers to us. They add a certain percentage to the value we have as individuals.
“Even now at SuperSport United, he’s working with a lot of youngsters, though back in the days at Wits, it was just me and two other young players. But he really played a big role in my life.”
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