Stellenbosch FC dealt blow as Bradley Grobler mourns father Les

Stellenbosch FC forward Bradley Grobler is set to miss Wednesday’s Carling Knockout Round of 16 tie against Durban City following the death of his father, former Moroka Swallows striker Les Grobler.

News of Les Grobler’s passing emerged on Monday, prompting an outpouring of grief across South African football. He was a prominent figure in the domestic game, having built a formidable reputation during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Bradley could be granted compassionate leave as he mourns his father, which would rule him out of Stellenbosch’s match at Chatsworth Stadium. The club have not only lost their most experienced finisher for a difficult away fixture, but also face the challenge of beginning their Carling Knockout campaign without a player who remains central to their attacking options.

The timing is particularly significant for Gavin Hunt’s side, who will be looking to make a positive start against a motivated Durban City team.

Hunt recently praised Grobler’s continued appetite for scoring and his determination to move closer to Peter Shalulile’s all-time PSL scoring record. The Stellenbosch striker has scored 130 PSL goals after finding the net earlier this season, leaving him four goals behind the Namibian’s record.

That pursuit will now be put aside as Grobler deals with the loss of his father. His absence is likely to be keenly felt by Stellenbosch, given his experience and long-standing contribution in front of goal.

A footballing partnership

The relationship between Les and Bradley Grobler was shaped by far more than family ties. Les was also his son’s first coach, beginning his guidance when Bradley was three years old and continuing until he secured his first professional contract at the age of 19.

That early influence formed the basis of a close footballing partnership, with Les helping to guide Bradley through the formative stages of his career.

Bradley, who previously played for SuperSport United, has often credited his father for the achievements he has gone on to enjoy. In earlier interviews, the experienced forward said he regarded his success as belonging to Les as well.

Les’s impact therefore extended from the training ground into Bradley’s professional career. His death comes at a moment when his son had been pursuing one of the PSL’s most significant scoring landmarks, but football has temporarily taken a back seat as the Grobler family mourns.