'Goodbye, dear SuperSport United' says emotional Gavin Hunt

Hunt, who enjoyed two spells at the club, took to social media to express his emotions as the chapter closed on one of South African football's most consistent and respected institutions.

"Goodbye to a club that was dear to my heart. A club where so much was achieved - trophies, producing players, and so many memories," Hunt posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The 60-year-old is widely regarded as one of SuperSport's most successful coaches, having guided the club to three consecutive league titles between 2008 and 2010 during his first spell in charge. His disciplined, direct style of football turned Matsatsantsa into a formidable force in the domestic game and laid the foundation for the club's identity throughout the 2010s.

Hunt returned to the club in 2022 following a short-lived stint with Kaizer Chiefs. However, results proved elusive the second time around, and he parted ways with SuperSport in March 2025 as the team struggled near the foot of the table. Andre Arendse was named interim coach for the remainder of the campaign.

The shock sale of SuperSport's top-flight status was confirmed in a statement by parent company SuperSport International last Thursday. The broadcaster cited a desire to focus on its core business operations, prompting the decision to sell the club's Premiership license to Bloemfontein-based Siwelele FC.

Former players have also voiced their sadness and respect for the club's legacy, including ex-captain Ricardo Katza, who spent more than a decade at SuperSport and lifted multiple trophies during his tenure.

"When I got to SuperSport United in 2003, there was one trophy. When I left, there were six," Katza told Radio 2000. "But this was more than just a football club. They developed us holistically. That's why I stayed for so long, especially coming from Cape Town."

SuperSport'slegacy includes not just domestic silverware, but also a reputation for nurturing young talent and providing a stable environment for players and coaches to thrive. The club has played a critical role in the development of South African football and will be remembered for its professionalism, competitive edge, and long-term vision.

Though its elite status is now in new hands, the impact of SuperSport - both on and off the pitch - remains firmly etched in South African football history.