Gavin Hunt explains Olisa Ndah's surprise midfield role in Stellenbosch win

Stellenbosch FC coach Gavin Hunt has provided insightful commentary on the decision to deploy debutant Olisa Ndah in a midfield position during the team’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chippa United on Saturday at Athlone Stadium.

This win, marking the clubs’ seventh for the season, propelling the club into the Betway Premiership’s Top 8, with 28 points.

Ndah, the 28-year-old Nigerian defender who joined Stellenbosch in February from Orlando Pirates, finally made his much-anticipated debut after work permit delays had sidelined him since his arrival. With his inclusion in the starting XI, Ndah played a crucial 84 minutes, demonstrating his versatility and ability on the ball, despite the challenge of returning to competitive play after a lengthy absence.

Addressing the media post-match, Hunt acknowledged the tactical gamble of positioning Ndah in an unfamiliar role.

“You have to ask him; he’ll tell you, he’s a decent footballer. But he hasn’t played for a long time,” Hunt stated, reflecting on Ndah’s time away from the pitch.

He told Ndah: “We don’t really have midfield players available. We had one on the bench, central midfield players, so I am going to play you there. It’s easier for you; you are not going to be under pressure.”

Recognising the importance of a cohesive defensive line, Hunt was cautious not to disrupt the back four that had performed well in recent matches.

“There’s a good old saying: don’t make too many changes to make a change,” he explained. “So, I just made one change and put him in.”

This subtle yet strategic alteration was crucial to the teams’ flow and helped Ndah gradually find his footing in the demanding midfield environment. As the match progressed, Ndah acclimatised to the tempo, showcasing his passing abilities and commitment to the teams’ success.

Hunt observed, “I think he took a little bit of time to get in there because the ball is a little bit quick, and when you haven’t played, you know, you lose the timing of the speed of the game.”

Yet, the experienced coach noted that Ndah began to settle as the game unfolded, contributing to the overall effort and securing another important three points. Stellenbosch FC’s victory not only signifies a critical step in their league campaign but also highlights the coach’s tactical acumen and the adaptability of players like Ndah.