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Bradley Grobler, Sekhukhune United, Aden McCarthy, Kaizer Chiefs, September 2025Backpage
Michael Madyira

Should Kaizer Chiefs tormentor Bradley Grobler be included in Bafana Bafana squad for 2025 AFCON? Ex-Amakhosi star sparks debate

The 37-year-old is showing no signs of having tired legs but appears to be maturing with age as he chanses records in the Premier Soccer League. Experience seems to be at work for the Sekhukhune United man who has not played for the national team under coach Hugo Broos.

  • Bradley Grobler, Sekhukhune United, Glody Lilepo, Thabo Cele, Kaizer Chiefs, September 2025Backpage

    Ageless Grobler in top form

    Bradley Grobler has been defying his age to become one of the top performers in the Premier Soccer League so far this season.

    The 37-year-old Sekhukhune United forward haunted Kaizer Chiefs with a brace in a midweek PSL game on Tuesday.

    That has prompted former Amakhosi winger Junior Khanye to assert that Grobler deserves to be back in the Bafana Bafana squad. 

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  • Junior Khanye YT video screenshotYouTube

    What Khanye said about Grobler

    “I call him the sniper, and I’d take that guy to the AFCON because of his experience,” said Khanye on iDiski TV.
    “I would take Grobler to the AFCON than taking other strikers because you need experience. If [Cristiano] Ronaldo who is 39 is still playing and [Lionel] Messi too, you can also take this guy to AFCON and with his experience, he’s going to punish opponents. You take that guy to AFCON he’d able to help the coach. A lot of these youngsters must learn from Grobler," added the former South Africa Under-20 international.
    “The guy knows how to position himself. Look at goal number two, no one thought he’d turn, and out of the blue, he turned and finished with his weaker foot. And look at the first goal, it was Grobler again, look at that touch he dealt with two defenders.”

  • Bradley Grobler Bafana Bafana v Libya, September 2018Backpagepix

    Debatable remarks about Grobler

    Grobler has so far scored six goals in nine games across all competitions this season, while also providing an assist.

    That makes him the most prolific forward in the league this term, and he is not showing any signs of ageing.

    Although Khanye's views could spark a debate, Grobler might bring in some experience in the Bafana squad should he continue with his scintillating form. 

    But Bafana coach Hugo Broos is not a fan of most players who are in their 30s and only selects those he is convinced are exceptional. 

  • What next?

    The next few months could determine whether Grobler will attract Broos' attention in the run-up to the AFCON tournament.

    Also, it is to be seen if the South Africa national team's two main strikers, Lyle Foster and Iqraaam Rayners, will be on top of their game.