Bradley Grobler: Gavin Hunt backs Stellenbosch striker to break PSL scoring record

Bradley Grobler has moved to within four goals of the PSL’s all-time scoring record, with Stellenbosch FC manager Gavin Hunt confident the striker can complete the challenge because of his continued desire to play.

Grobler joined Stellenbosch before the start of the season after spending the previous campaign with Sekhukhune United. He has scored once so far, finding the net against his former club, and that goal left him four short of matching the 134-goal total set by former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile.

Hunt believes Grobler’s motivation remains the key factor in his attempt to reach the record.

“I said to Brad that the most important thing when you get older in football is if you still want to come to training everyday and if you still want to do it everyday. Once you lose that, you must retire,” Hunt told the media at the Carling Knockout Cup launch.

“But he still wants to. He’s obviously pushing for that record, and hopefully we will try to get him to get there. He needs us, and we need him, because he can do it. He’s got one already.”

Grobler’s workload is likely to be managed as the season progresses, although Hunt said the forward remains in good condition and continues to train every day.

“There’s still a long season to go. He trains everyday. He looks okay. He’s obviously not going to play 90 minutes everyday, but he is looking good,” Hunt added.

Stellenbosch drawn against Durban City

Stellenbosch will face Hunt’s former club Durban City away from home in the last 16 of the Carling Knockout Cup.

The Cape side won the competition in 2023, but face another away fixture as they attempt to progress. Hunt said the tournament could offer an opportunity to teams regarded as underdogs, while acknowledging the difficulty of the draw.

“Any cup competition is always a chance, and I think this competition has a history of underdogs. For us, it’s difficult (because) we are playing another away game,” he said.

“Maybe Durban is home away from home for us because we’ve been playing there. It is what it is.”

Hunt’s familiarity with Durban City could prove useful, with many of the players having been part of his squad during his time at the club last year. The match will be played at Chatsworth, a venue he expects to provide a strong atmosphere.

“I know this Durban City side well. Most of the players were there when I was there last year, so I know them well. Chatsworth is a nice place to play. (It’s) Always a nice atmosphere there,” Hunt said.

Stellenbosch are currently adapting to changes within their squad, with players arriving and departing. Hunt said the immediate priority was to find solutions quickly before building momentum and improving as the campaign continues.