Bidvest Wits have handed coach Gavin Hunt a new deal at the club ending speculation he could take over as South Africa’s coach.

Hunt, a three-time Premiership-winning coach from his time at SuperSport United, had been rumoured to be linked with the Bafana Bafana job with his current contract at Wits expiring at the end of June.

That story has now grown cold with Shakes Mashaba looking increasingly likely to continue in the role.

Hunt has told SoccerLaduma that he will be extending his contract with the Clever Boys.

Hunt is yet to win a trophy with the Clever Boys but did lead the side to its highest ever points tally last term. Under Hunt the side has been transformed into contenders, as the coach led them to consecutive third-placed finishes in 2013-14 and 2014-15, before guiding them to the runners-up position last term.

The new contract will extent Hunt’s stay at the club for at least one more year, with the 51-year-old confirming he will lead the side in the 2016-17 season.