In-form Sekhukhune United striker Bradley Grobler has opened up about his omission from the Bafana Bafana squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, admitting the decision is “frustrating” given his recent performances.
Grobler has been on fire since his move to the current Betway Premiership log leaders. The 37-year-old has scored six league goals and two in the MTN8.
However, he missed out on being part of the 45-member preliminary team announced by Hugo Broos to face Zimbabwe and Rwanda this month in the last two matches of the qualifiers. Broos is expected to cut down the team to 23 players in the coming days.
Despite acknowledging that he finds it hard to accept being ignored for the national team, the former SuperSport United striker has vowed to keep fighting for his place.
SEKHUKHUNE UNITED STRIKER WANTS TO CONTINUE FIGHTING FOR A PLACE AT BAFANA BAFANA
“It’s tough. It’s frustrating. I would like to be part of the team, especially because they are in such a great space at the moment,” Grobler told FARPost.
BRADLEY GROBLER ADMITS IT’S HARD TO ACCEPT BEING SNUBBED FOR THE NATIONAL TEAM
The prolific forward admits it’s hard to accept the reality of being snubbed for the Bafana Bafana squad, expressing the difficulty in coping with the rejection despite maintaining strong club form.
With Bafana Bafana on the verge of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and scheduled to play in the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, Grobler also acknowledged that these are “exciting times” for the national team.
“There are exciting things coming for the team, and it’s always a dream to be there, especially now. But mentally, I think I can do anything within the league. I can score 100 goals, but I just don’t think he [Bafana coach Hugo Broos] can change his mind about me.
“It’s hard to accept it, but what more can I do? I will keep pushing and keep fighting, but mentally I do have that thing in my head where [I feel] I don’t think it’s going to be real. But that’s not to say I won’t keep fighting and trying. But it’s hard, it’s difficult, but it’s life.”
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