Gavin Hunt praises SuperSport striker Bradley Grobler’s longevity

The 36-year-old suffered an injury in the Tshwane Derby against Mamelodi Sundowns two weeks ago, but is expected back before the end of the season. 

Hunt admits to needing a permanent successor and not being forced to rely so heavily on Grobler, whose quality, he admits, has never been in doubt. 

"I need to take off his work load a little, but ja, we need to find replacements, which I think we've got one or two that can certainly step up – they need to prove it first," said Hunt.

"I don't care what the players' [age is], sometimes we talk about young players, but I think sometimes you've got to give the older players a bit of credit as well [because of] what they go through week-in and week-out."

Grobler is among a handful of strikers in the PSL to have breached the 100-goal mark, including the likes of Siyabonga Nomvethe, Mabhudi Khenyeza, Manuel ‘Tico Tico’ Bucuane, Collins Mbesuma, and Sundowns legend Daniel ‘Mambush’ Mudau.

Hunt insists, however, there’s no rush to replace the former Platinum Stars forward. 

"[Grobler] has had some big injuries, but he's kept going and he's still scoring. So, these older players sometimes get forgotten, but you've got to be very careful not to throw them away too quickly," the coach added.

"Age is not a problem, as long as they can keep doing the job, and he's certainly [doing that]. He got a goal last week, and possibly should have had another one, and he'll certainly play a big for us in the last two games [of the season]."

With SuperSport having become more of a selling club, with their focus turning toward their development structures over the years, Grobler has almost seen the glory days disappear, but Hunt still sees him as a crucial part of helping guide the youngsters.

"He's fine, he's a good professional. It's obviously been difficult for him because he's seen the club go in another direction, and he was playing with a lot of experienced players but now we're bringing all the kids in.

"Now he's got dual [responsibility] to play obviously, and also help players around him, and I think he's doing a good job, like all of [the senior players] are – [Onismor] Bhasera, Tyson [Hlatshwayo], and these guys are playing a big part helping me in helping the club."

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