The next Mark Williams? — Gavin Hunt praises Stellenbosch's new hat-trick sensation Plaatjies
He’s like — if I’m going to say this, it’s going to be all over the media — like Mark Williams,” Gavin Hunt said after Stellenbosch’s 3-1 victory over Marumo Gallants.
Quwan Plaatjies delivered a hat-trick on his Betway Premiership debut for Stellenbosch FC, shocking South African football. However, the 20-year-old from Atlantis, West Coast of Cape Town, is not a newcomer; he is a product of the Stellenbosch FC Academy, where he has been a prolific goalscorer for the Stellies Reserve side in recent seasons.
His performance was crucial in the Maroons winning the DStv Diski Challenge title in the 2023/24 season and he scored a notable goal during the NEXTGen tournament in the United Kingdom against Everton FC.
Similar to how Mark Williams was given his chance in the 1996 Afcon Final, Plaatjies had to wait patiently for his opportunity, just like Benni McCarthy. Stellenbosch FC coach Gavin Hunt, who also provided McCarthy with his first chance, likened Plaatjies to the all-time goalscorer legend. Hunt stated that Plaatjies is not a traditional striker but a natural goalscorer with a significant difference. He praised Plaatjies' ability to score goals effortlessly, which is rare to find in a player.
Hunt, known for providing young talent with opportunities to shine on the big stage, also highlighted winger Raoul Daniels as another promising player. Daniels, who could replace the departing Devin Titus on the right flank, impressed Hunt during a Bay Hill match last year due to his fantastic crossing skills. Hunt's coaching approach emphasizes the importance of nurturing young talent and putting them in the right positions, such as giving Daniels and Plaatjies their first-team debuts.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
