Bradley Grobler is a South African professional soccer player who plays as a striker for SuperSport United and the South African national team. He has made a name for himself as one of the most prolific goal scorers in the Premier Soccer League, and has been a key player for SuperSport United since joining the club in 2012. In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at the life and career of Bradley Grobler, including his early years, club career, national team career, playing style, off the pitch persona, career statistics, legacy and impact, and answer some frequently asked questions about the player.
Born on January 25, 1988, in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, Bradley Grobler started playing soccer at a young age. He began his professional career with Ajax Cape Town, where he quickly established himself as one of the most promising young talents in South African soccer. After a successful stint with Ajax Cape Town, Grobler moved to Platinum Stars before joining SuperSport United in 2012. He has been a key player for SuperSport United ever since, helping the club win numerous titles and establish itself as one of the top teams in the Premier Soccer League.
Key Takeaways
- Bradley Grobler is a prolific goal scorer and a key player for SuperSport United and the South African national team.
- Grobler started his professional career with Ajax Cape Town before moving to Platinum Stars and then SuperSport United.
- He has been a successful player for SuperSport United, helping the club win numerous titles and establish itself as one of the top teams in the Premier Soccer League.
Early Life and Career
Birth and Early Years
Bradley Grobler was born on January 25, 1988, in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. He was raised in a football-loving family, with his father, Les Grobler, being a former Moroka Swallows player. Growing up, Bradley showed a keen interest in football and began playing at a young age.
Initial Football Development
Grobler attended Benoni High School, where he continued to hone his football skills. He played as a junior at both Boksburg FC and BK Callies, which are just outside Johannesburg. During his time at Boksburg FC, he was scouted by SuperSport United, one of the top football clubs in South Africa.
Professional Debut
In 2006, Grobler made his professional debut for SuperSport United. He quickly established himself as a key player for the club, scoring his first goal in his second appearance. Over the years, he has become one of the most prolific goal scorers in the South African Premier Soccer League, with over 100 goals to his name.
Grobler’s impressive performances for SuperSport United have also earned him a call-up to the South African national team. He made his debut for Bafana Bafana in 2010 and has since become a regular member of the squad.
Overall, Grobler’s early life and career have been marked by his passion for football and his dedication to improving his skills. His talent and hard work have made him one of the most successful footballers in South Africa today.
Club Career
Domestic Club Performance
Bradley Grobler started his professional career in 2006 with Platinum Stars, where he spent two seasons before moving to Ajax Cape Town. He played for Ajax Cape Town between 2008 and 2013, scoring 39 goals in 111 appearances. In January 2013, Grobler joined SuperSport United and has been an integral part of the team ever since.
Grobler has been a consistent performer for SuperSport United, scoring 75 goals in 178 appearances in all competitions. He has been the top scorer for the team in several seasons and has helped the team win several titles, including the MTN8 Cup and the Nedbank Cup.
International Club Stints
Grobler has not played for any international clubs during his career.
Notable Achievements with Clubs
Grobler has won several titles during his career with different clubs. He won the MTN8 Cup with SuperSport United in 2014, the Nedbank Cup with the same team in 2016 and 2017, and the Telkom Knockout Cup with the team in 2019. He was also part of the Ajax Cape Town team that won the MTN8 Cup in 2008.
Throughout his career, Grobler has been a consistent performer and has been recognized for his performances with several awards. He was the top scorer in the 2017-2018 season of the Premier Soccer League and was named the SuperSport United Player of the Season in the same season.
National Team Career
First Cap
Bradley Grobler made his debut for the South African national team on 29 February 2012 in a friendly match against Senegal. He came on as a substitute in the 63rd minute, replacing Bernard Parker. The match ended in a 0-0 draw.
Key Performances
Grobler has been a regular member of the South African national team since his debut. He has played in several important matches for the team, including the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, where he helped South Africa reach the quarterfinals. He also played a key role in South Africa’s 2-0 victory over Nigeria in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
International Goals
Grobler has scored 4 goals for the South African national team. His first goal came in a friendly match against Mozambique on 15 November 2011. He scored his second goal in a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Central African Republic on 23 March 2013. His third goal came in a friendly match against Swaziland on 25 March 2015. Grobler’s most recent goal for the national team came in a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan on 17 November 2019.
| Date | Opponent | Result | Competition | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Nov 2011 | Mozambique | 1-0 | Friendly | 1 |
| 23 Mar 2013 | Central African Republic | 2-0 | 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier | 1 |
| 25 Mar 2015 | Swaziland | 3-1 | Friendly | 1 |
| 17 Nov 2019 | Sudan | 1-0 | 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier | 1 |
Overall, Grobler has been a consistent performer for the South African national team, and his experience and goal-scoring ability will continue to be an asset for the team in the future.
Playing Style
Position and Role
Bradley Grobler is a South African soccer player who primarily plays as a striker for SuperSport United and the South African national team. Grobler is an unapologetic traditional No 9, who operates as a classic center forward. He is known for making runs off defenders’ shoulders, poaching goals from inside the penalty area, and holding up play. Grobler has a great sense of positioning and is always ready to pounce on any loose ball or rebound.
Strengths and Skills
Grobler’s main forte is his ability to convert goal-scoring chances, making him a lethal finisher in front of the goal. His physicality and aerial ability make him a constant threat in the box, and he is not afraid to put his body on the line to score a goal. Grobler is also an excellent passer of the ball, and his hold-up play allows his team to build up play from the back.
Comparison with Contemporaries
Grobler’s playing style is reminiscent of traditional center-forwards of the past. He is not as mobile or versatile as some of his contemporaries, but his ability to score goals makes him a valuable asset to any team. His style of play is similar to that of former English striker Alan Shearer, who was also known for his physicality and ability to score goals from inside the box.
Off the Pitch
Personal Life
Bradley Grobler was born on January 25, 1988, in Johannesburg, South Africa. He attended Benoni High School and started as a junior at both Boksburg FC and BK Callies, which is just outside Johannesburg. He is the son of former Moroka Swallows player Les Grobler. Bradley Grobler is married and has children. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
Charity Work
Bradley Grobler is known for his philanthropy work. He has been involved in several charity organizations, including the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. The foundation aims to use sport as a tool for social change and to improve the lives of young people around the world. Bradley Grobler has also been involved in the Nelson Mandela Foundation, which focuses on creating a legacy of Nelson Mandela’s life and work.
Media Presence
Bradley Grobler is active on social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter. He has a significant following, and he often posts pictures of himself training, playing, and spending time with his family. Bradley Grobler also uses his social media presence to promote his charity work and to interact with his fans.
Career Statistics
Club Statistics
Bradley Grobler has had an impressive career playing for various clubs in South Africa. As of the current season (2023/2024), he has played 238 matches in the Premier Soccer League, scoring 105 goals and providing 36 assists. He has also played in the CAF Confederations Cup, scoring 5 goals in 17 appearances.
Grobler’s most successful season in terms of goals scored was the 2020/2021 season, where he netted 16 goals in just 23 league appearances for SuperSport United. He has also been a consistent performer for the club in recent seasons, scoring 10 goals in 23 appearances in the current season (2023/2024).
National Team Statistics
Bradley Grobler has represented the South African national team on numerous occasions, scoring 6 goals in 17 appearances. He made his debut for the team in 2017 and has since become a regular member of the squad.
Grobler’s most notable performance for the national team came in a 2022 World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe, where he scored a hat-trick to help South Africa secure a 3-0 victory.
Awards and Honors
Bradley Grobler has been recognized for his performances on numerous occasions throughout his career. He was named the Premier Soccer League Player of the Month in February 2021 after scoring 6 goals in just 5 appearances for SuperSport United.
In addition, Grobler has been named in the Premier Soccer League Team of the Season on three occasions (2016/2017, 2019/2020, and 2020/2021). He was also named the SuperSport United Player of the Season in the 2020/2021 season after his impressive performances helped the club finish in third place in the league.
Legacy and Impact
Influence on the Sport
Bradley Grobler’s impact on South African football cannot be overstated. His impressive scoring record and on-field performances have made him a fan favorite and an inspiration to many aspiring footballers. Grobler’s dedication to the sport and his ability to consistently perform at a high level have earned him the respect of his peers and coaches alike. His work ethic and commitment to the game have set a high standard for future generations of South African footballers to follow.
Mentorship and Leadership
Grobler’s experience and knowledge of the game have made him a valuable mentor to younger players. He has been known to take younger players under his wing and help them develop their skills on and off the field. Grobler’s leadership qualities have also been recognized by his coaches, who have entrusted him with the captaincy of his club on several occasions. His ability to lead by example and inspire his teammates has been a major factor in his team’s success.
Cultural Impact
Grobler’s impact on South African football extends beyond the field of play. He has become a role model and an inspiration to many young South Africans who aspire to succeed in the sport. Grobler’s success has also helped to raise the profile of South African football on the international stage. He has shown that South African footballers can compete with the best in the world and has helped to dispel the notion that South African football is inferior to that of other countries.
In conclusion, Bradley Grobler’s legacy and impact on South African football are undeniable. His dedication to the sport, his leadership qualities, and his cultural impact have made him a true icon of South African football.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the notable achievements of Bradley Grobler in his football career?
Bradley Grobler has had an impressive football career, with numerous notable achievements. He has scored over 100 goals in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), making him one of the most prolific scorers in PSL history. He has also won several trophies with SuperSport United, including three Nedbank Cup titles and two MTN 8 trophies. In addition, he has been named the PSL Player of the Month multiple times.
How has Bradley Grobler’s performance influenced his team’s success?
Bradley Grobler’s performance has been instrumental in SuperSport United’s success over the years. He has been a consistent scorer for the team, and his goals have often been the difference between a win and a loss. His work rate and dedication on the field have also inspired his teammates to perform at their best.
What is the history of Bradley Grobler’s transfers and contract details?
Bradley Grobler began his football career at Boksburg FC and BK Callies before moving to Platinum Stars in 2009. He then joined SuperSport United in 2012 and has been with the team ever since. In terms of contract details, it is known that he signed a three-year contract extension with SuperSport United in 2021.
Who holds the record for the most goals scored in PSL history?
The record for the most goals scored in PSL history is held by Siyabonga Nomvethe, who scored 123 goals during his career. Bradley Grobler is currently in second place with over 100 goals.
Can you outline the family background of Bradley Grobler, including his father’s influence?
There is limited information available about Bradley Grobler’s family background. However, it is known that his father was a football coach and had a significant influence on his career. Grobler has spoken about how his father’s coaching and guidance helped him develop as a player.
What are some key statistics that highlight Bradley Grobler’s impact on the field?
Bradley Grobler’s impact on the field can be seen in his impressive statistics. In addition to his over 100 goals in the PSL, he has also scored several goals for the South African national team. He has been named the PSL Player of the Month multiple times, and his work rate and dedication on the field have earned him the respect of fans and teammates alike.
