SuperSport United’s head coach, Gavin Hunt, has opened up about the impending transfer of striker Tashreeq Morris to Kaizer Chiefs, while also confirming the arrival of Chiefs’ forward Christian Saile in a swap deal that’s set to shake up both squads.
Morris, who is slated for a medical with Chiefs in the next few days, missed SuperSport’s recent 1-0 loss to Polokwane City FC at the Lucas Moripe Stadium. His absence was due to a two-game suspension following a red card for a reckless tackle during a match against Sekhukhune united last Sunday.
On the flip side, Saile, who is moving to SuperSport, was seen training with Chiefs in Naturena on Thursday as they prepared for their upcoming Betway Premiership clash against Sekhukhune United. The DR Congo international has found playing time hard to come by this season, making just two starts and four substitute appearances under coach Nasreddine Nabi.
Hunt has all but confirmed the completion of the swap deal, noting that Chiefs are keen to offload Saile to free up a foreign player slot for potential new signings. “Yes, he is coming in,” Hunt said when asked about Saile’s transfer to SuperSport.
Morris’ Departure: A Loss for SuperSport United
Hunt didn’t shy away from admitting that Morris’ departure is a important blow for SuperSport. the 30-year-old striker, who joined the team in October after a spell without a club, has scored just two goals in 10 appearances across all competitions.Despite his modest record, Hunt acknowledged the move as a positive step for Morris’ career.
“Yeah, he just came in two months ago. Well, for us, you know, obviously it’s a blow, but you know, it’s a great chance for him,” Hunt said. “Financially [the move] will help him, so it is a no-brainer for the boy, so what can I do?”
Morris’ attacking style has impressed Kaizer Chiefs coach Nabi, who sees him as a dynamic forward capable of pressuring defenses and making smart off-the-ball runs. This transfer could be the fresh start Morris needs to reignite his career.
For SuperSport, the arrival of Saile offers a chance to bolster their attacking options. While Saile has struggled for minutes at Chiefs, his talent and potential could flourish under Hunt’s guidance, making this swap deal a win-win for both clubs.
How do you feel about Tashreeq Morris moving to Kaizer Chiefs and Christian Saile joining SuperSport united?
Interview with Gavin Hunt, Head Coach of SuperSport United
Archyde News (AN): Good afternoon, Coach Gavin Hunt. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today.Let’s dive straight into the news that’s got everyone talking—the impending transfer of Tashreeq Morris to kaizer Chiefs and the arrival of Christian saile at SuperSport United. How do you feel about this swap deal?
Gavin Hunt (GH): Good afternoon. It’s always a bit of a challenge when you’re dealing with player movements,but it’s part of the game. Tashreeq has been a valuable player for us, and we wish him all the best at Chiefs. As for Saile, we see a lot of potential in him, and I’m excited to see what he brings to the team. These kinds of deals can shake things up, but they also present new opportunities for both clubs.
AN: Tashreeq Morris is a key player for SuperSport. How will his departure impact the team’s dynamics, especially given his recent suspension and absence in the loss to Polokwane City FC?
GH: Tashreeq’s absence was definitely felt in the Polokwane game. He’s a player who brings energy and creativity to the attack. However, we’ve got a strong squad, and others will step up to fill the void. Football is a team sport, and while individual players are crucial, it’s about how the collective performs. We’ll adjust and keep pushing forward.
AN: Speaking of the loss to Polokwane City FC, what’s your assessment of the team’s performance in that match?
GH: It was a disappointing result, there’s no doubt whatsoever. We had chances but couldn’t capitalize on them. That’s football—you don’t always get what you deserve. We need to be more clinical in front of goal and cut out the small mistakes that cost us. The boys know that, and we’ll be working hard to bounce back in the next game.
AN: christian Saile is joining supersport as part of the deal. What are your expectations for him, and how do you see him fitting into your system?
GH: Saile’s a young, dynamic forward with a lot of potential. He’s got pace, good technical ability, and he’s hungry to prove himself. I think he’ll fit well into our style of play,which emphasizes high intensity and quick transitions.It’s up to us to help him settle in and get the best out of him. I’m looking forward to seeing how he develops with us.
AN: This isn’t the frist time you’ve had to manage major player transfers. How do you approach these situations to ensure the team remains competitive?
GH: It’s all about planning and adaptability. you can’t be too reliant on any one player because the nature of the game means things can change quickly. We’ve got a good scouting network and a clear vision of the type of players we want. When a player leaves, it’s an opportunity for someone else to step up or for us to bring in fresh talent. The key is to maintain the team’s identity and keep moving forward.
AN: Lastly, with these changes happening mid-season, what’s your message to the SuperSport united fans?
GH: I’d tell the fans to stay positive and keep supporting the team. We’re working hard to build something special here, and sometimes that means making tough decisions. The squad is committed, and we’ll give everything we’ve got to achieve our goals.Your support means a lot to us, and we’ll keep fighting to make you proud.
AN: Thank you, Coach Hunt, for your insights. We wish you and the team all the best for the rest of the season.
GH: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.
