Former Kaizer Chiefs defender David Kannemeyer has urged Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos to give Bradley Grobler a chance to show what he can do in national team colours.
Despite being 37 years old, Grobler has shown no signs of slowing down. He’s found the back of the net eight times already this season, and has spearheaded Sekhukhune United’s rise to the top of the Betway Premiership.
And with each goal, Grobler is edging closer to the all-time goalscoring record in South Africa’s top flight. Judging by his current form, the record, currently held by Mamelodi Sundowns’ Peter Shalulile, should be his before the end of the season.
Due to his form for his club, Kannemeyer would like to see the former SuperSport United man add to his 12 caps on the international stage.
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“If the squad is picked on merit, he should be there,” Kannemeyer said, as quoted by FARPost.
“He can add value with all his experience. He has been proving all the years that he can still score goals. So, I think he will add value to the group… I would think that with all the younger players, it would be ideal to select him to be with the group, with all his experience, it can help the group.”
Grobler, however, seems realistic about his chances. “I think I can do anything within the league, I can score 100 goals, I just don’t think he [Broos] is going to change his mind about myself. It’s hard to accept it, but what more can I do? I’ll keep pushing, I’ll keep fighting, but mentally, I do have that thing in my head where I just don’t think it’s going to be real.”
For Grobler to get selected, he will have to prove to Broos he can be as productive for the national team as Burnley’s Lyle Foster, and Mamelodi Sundowns’ Iqraam Rayners.
Grobler, the son of former Moroka Swallows player Les, scored on his international debut against Zimbabwe in a friendly back in 2011. His second and last goal came against Mozambique in 2015. He won the last of his 12 caps for Bafana Bafana in 2019.
If given the opportunity, Grobler could provide Bafana Bafana with not just goals, but leadership and a calming presence on the pitch. At 37, he may be approaching the twilight of his career, but his current form suggests he still has plenty to offer – both as a striker and as a mentor for South Africa’s next generation of talent.
Sport
