Bradley Grobler is proving that age is just a number and continues to remind the Betway Premiership why he’s still one of the deadliest strikers in South African football.
Babina Noko left it late to secure all three points against Golden Arrows last time out, with the 37-year-old Grobler netting the decisive goal in dramatic fashion. It was his sixth goal in nine matches across all competitions, a tally that has not only silenced critics but also propelled Sekhukhune United to the top of the table.
Coach Eric Tinkler revealed post-match that Grobler was nearly substituted before his match-winning moment. “He’s called The Sniper for a reason,” Tinkler said. “The technical team asked if we should take him off, and I said, ‘No, no, no — not today.’ We needed him in those final minutes, and he delivered.”
Grobler’s form has been nothing short of sensational. Despite facing uncertainty due to illness in the lead-up to the Chiefs game, he scored a brace to hand Amakhosi their first defeat of the season. That performance took his career tally to 123 PSL goals, including 12 against Kaizer Chiefs, making them his favourite victims.
“They told me I was past my prime,” Grobler said with a grin after the Chiefs match. “It feels good to be scoring against such teams. But I’m just happy for our team — this was a big performance.”
Tinkler, while proud of the team’s position at the summit after seven matches, urged caution. “We’ve worked very hard to get here, but the season is still young. We must stay grounded and keep pushing.”
There was a setback, though; defender Tsepo Matsimbi has been ruled out for two months, a blow to Babina Noko’s backline.
Still, the momentum is undeniable. Sekhukhune built on their 3-1 triumph over Kaizer Chiefs with another gritty win, and Grobler continues to be the heartbeat of their attack — a veteran striker defying time, critics, and expectations.
Next up, high-flying Babina Noko will face Chippa United before turning their attention to another tough match-up against Polokwane City on Saturday, 27 September, who have been in excellent form and welcomed back some key members that have been sidelined due to long-term injuries.