Gavin Hunt outlines tactical blueprint after Mamelodi Sundowns draw

Hunt explained that opting to play without a recognised striker was a deliberate decision, which is why Tshegofatso Mabasa started on the bench.

Mabasa, who is on loan from Orlando Pirates, came on as a substitute to score the equaliser for the Maroons - a goal that proved crucial not only for Stellenbosch, but also for his parent club in the ongoing title race.

"I don't want to sound clever - other coaches might sit here and try to - but I'll give you a straightforward football explanation. I felt it was the best way to go," said Hunt after the match.

"We wanted our players to be on the right side of the ball, not the wrong side. A striker often ends up on the wrong side of the ball, and then we look to break into space. We wanted their centre-backs to have possession because, nine times out of ten, they will give it back to us.

"It's not about being clever. We had a clear plan, and I've said it before - we've beaten Sundowns many times without a striker. We've done it before, and we did it again. It's simply a way of trying something different. We have to do things differently. We can't play our normal game against a team of this quality, or they'll beat us."

Mabasa's goal saw Stellenbosch move to 32 points after 25 matches, leaving them ninth on the league table.

Meanwhile, the result also worked in favour of Pirates, who remain top of the standings with 58 points - one ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns, although they still have a game in hand.