Gavin Hunt Backs Bradley Grobler to Break PSL All-Time Goalscoring Record at Stellenbosch FC

Stellenbosch FC head coach Gavin Hunt believes Bradley Grobler has what it takes to break the Premier Soccer League’s all-time goalscoring record, with the experienced striker now just four goals away from matching the historic mark. The 38-year-old forward joined Stellenbosch before the start of the current season after spending the previous campaign with Sekhukhune United. Although he has scored only once so far, his goal against his former club brought him closer to a record that would cement his place among South African football’s most successful strikers. Hunt believes Grobler’s continued hunger for the game could prove decisive as he pursues the milestone. The Stellenbosch coach has also made it clear that the club is prepared to support the striker’s ambitions while balancing his individual goals with the team’s wider objectives.

Grobler’s pursuit of the PSL all-time goalscoring record has become an important storyline in his latest career chapter. According to the figures provided, former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile holds the benchmark at 134 league goals, leaving Grobler four goals short of drawing level after his latest strike. Reaching that mark would represent a significant achievement for a player who has remained competitive through several seasons of professional football. His experience and understanding of the game could help him make the most of opportunities as Stellenbosch continue their campaign. However, reaching the record will depend on his availability, form and ability to convert chances consistently. With a long season still ahead, Grobler has time to close the gap if he maintains his fitness and receives regular opportunities in the team.

Hunt has placed particular emphasis on Grobler’s attitude towards training, explaining that motivation becomes increasingly important as a footballer gets older. The coach believes a player must retain the desire to work every day and continue improving rather than relying solely on experience. He explained that he had spoken to Grobler about the importance of maintaining that commitment throughout his career. Hunt is encouraged by the striker’s willingness to train consistently and continue chasing his goals. He also believes Grobler understands what is required to reach the milestone, even though the process will demand patience and persistence. For the Stellenbosch coach, the striker’s mentality is a major reason to believe that the record remains within reach.

Speaking at the launch of the Carling Knockout Cup, Hunt expressed his support for Grobler’s ambitions and stressed that the relationship benefits both the player and the club. He explained that Grobler still wants to come to training every day and remains motivated to achieve more in football. Hunt acknowledged that the striker is pushing to reach the goalscoring milestone and said Stellenbosch would do what they could to help him get there. He also made it clear that the club needs Grobler because of the qualities he brings to the squad. The coach described the striker as someone who still looks good in training, although he recognised that playing the full 90 minutes in every match may not be realistic. That approach suggests Stellenbosch will need to manage his workload carefully while giving him opportunities to contribute.

Managing Grobler’s minutes could be an important part of the club’s plan as the season progresses. Experienced forwards can remain effective through intelligent movement, positioning and decision-making, even when they cannot maintain the same physical output across every match. Hunt’s comments indicate that he is aware of the need to balance the striker’s ambition with his overall fitness. Giving Grobler suitable playing time could help him remain fresh enough to make an impact in important moments. It could also allow the coaching staff to use different attacking options depending on the opposition and the demands of each fixture. The key will be ensuring that Grobler receives enough opportunities to pursue the record without compromising the team’s performance.

Stellenbosch FC must also focus on their own objectives as they prepare for the Carling Knockout Cup last-16 encounter against Durban City. The fixture will take place away from home, presenting another challenge for Hunt’s side as they attempt to progress in a competition they won in 2023. Hunt acknowledged that away matches can be difficult, although he suggested that playing in Durban may feel familiar to the team because of its previous experience in the area. He also spoke positively about the atmosphere at Chatsworth, where the match is expected to provide a competitive test. The coach’s familiarity with Durban City could be useful because he worked with the club during the previous season. That knowledge may help Stellenbosch prepare for the opposition’s strengths and identify areas they can exploit.

Hunt believes the Carling Knockout offers every participating club a realistic opportunity to compete for silverware, particularly because cup competitions can produce unexpected results. He noted that underdogs have often made their presence felt in knockout tournaments, where a single performance can change a team’s season. Stellenbosch will therefore need to approach the Durban City match with confidence while respecting the challenge posed by their opponents. Hunt’s previous experience with many of Durban City’s players could give him a clearer understanding of their tendencies and tactical approach. However, familiarity does not guarantee success, and Stellenbosch will still need to execute their game plan effectively. Progressing to the next round would provide an important boost as the team continues to develop its identity under Hunt.

The coach has also acknowledged that Stellenbosch are going through a period of transition after changes to the playing squad. With players arriving and departing, the technical team has had to find solutions quickly while working to establish consistency. Hunt described the current situation as one that requires short-term adjustments, but he remains optimistic about the team’s potential once it develops momentum. This transitional period makes experienced players such as Grobler particularly valuable because they can provide leadership and help the team navigate difficult moments. His goalscoring experience could also prove important in close matches where one decisive finish makes the difference. If Stellenbosch improve their overall rhythm, Grobler may benefit from better service and more opportunities in dangerous areas.

The striker’s record pursuit and Stellenbosch’s cup ambitions give the club two important objectives to manage during the coming months. Grobler will be eager to close the four-goal gap, while Hunt must ensure that the team remains competitive across its fixtures. Supporting the striker does not mean prioritising an individual milestone above the club’s needs, but rather creating conditions in which his experience can help the team succeed. Regular training, careful workload management and effective attacking play will all influence his chances of reaching the record. At the same time, a strong Carling Knockout campaign could help Stellenbosch build the confidence and momentum Hunt believes they need. Both ambitions will require consistent performances rather than relying on individual moments of inspiration.

Hunt’s backing gives Grobler encouragement as he approaches a potentially historic stage of his career. The striker remains four goals away from matching the 134-goal benchmark identified in the supplied figures, and Stellenbosch are prepared to help him pursue that achievement. His continued commitment to training has impressed Hunt, who believes the forward still has the hunger and ability to make a meaningful contribution. However, his playing time will need to be managed carefully, and the team must continue adapting during a period of transition. Stellenbosch also face a difficult Carling Knockout assignment against Durban City, offering another test of their progress under Hunt. If Grobler maintains his motivation and makes the most of his opportunities, he could move closer to PSL history while helping Stellenbosch pursue their own ambitions this season.