Gavin Hunt tells Bradley Grobler to ignore PSL scoring record pressure

Gavin Hunt has urged Bradley Grobler to focus on Stellenbosch’s next match rather than the prospect of becoming the Premier Soccer League’s all-time leading scorer.

The 38-year-old striker moved to within five goals of the record when he scored his 130th PSL goal in Stellenbosch’s 1-1 draw with his former club Sekhukhune at Danie Craven Stadium on Friday.

Peter Shalulile currently holds the record, having scored 134 goals for Highlands Park and Mamelodi Sundowns. Shalulile left the Brazilians for Tanzanian giants Yanga before the start of the season.

Grobler, a former SuperSport United striker, would move to the top of the standings by scoring five more goals this campaign.

“He mustn’t worry about records. He must keep playing as long as he can without worrying about the records. He must only worry about the next game, because that’s the most important thing,” Hunt told Sowetan.

Despite advising Grobler not to dwell on the milestone, Hunt remains confident that his player will surpass Shalulile’s total.

“It will come, but he shouldn’t be obsessing about it. He will definitely do it, that’s for sure,” the Stellenbosch coach said.

Hunt previously worked with Grobler at SuperSport United and believes the striker’s longevity and consistency have not received enough recognition during his career.

“People don’t get rewarded for longevity and consistency. He has had both of that, so there should have been a lot more rewards in his career, but that’s South Africa for you,” Hunt said.

He also described Grobler as one of the finest strikers in South African football, highlighting the difference between being a forward and being a consistent goalscorer.

“He’s one of the best strikers SA has ever seen. What makes him unique is that he’s not only a striker, but he’s a goal scorer as well, and it’s very difficult to find strikers who are goal scorers like him, so he’s just different.”

Grobler began his PSL career as a 19-year-old under coach Owen da Gama at the now defunct Platinum Stars in August 2007.

The five highest PSL scorers since 1996 are:

1. Peter Shalulile – 134 goals 2. Bradley Grobler – 130 3. Siyabonga Nomvethe – 129 4. Mabhuti Khanyeza and Daniel Mudau – 110 each 5. Tico-Tico Bucuane – 104