Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinkler has leaped to the defence of veteran striker Bradley Grobler, reminding critics that “players are not machines” following a rare dry spell in front of goal.
Despite the forward’s recent struggles to find the net, Tinkler remains steadfast in his support, emphasising the human element of the game and Grobler’s proven track record as a clinical finisher.
The veteran striker was in great form at the beginning of the season for the Limpopo club, scoring some crucial goals. However, the 38-year-old missed some great opportunities during the club’s recent defeat to Milford FC in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final.
He also missed a great chance to win the Limpopo Derby against Polokwane City FC in the Betway Premiership on Saturday. But Tinkler refuted suggestions that Grobler was experiencing a slump.
ERIC TINKLER BACKS BRADLEY GROBLER TO REDISCOVER HIS SCORING FORM
“It happens, you know. Players go through ups and downs,” said Tinkler in Polokwane. “These are not machines. I think that’s where people need to realise that we are dealing with human beings who have good days and bad days.
“It’s not a case of Bradley going through a bad period. I don’t think so. He scored just a week ago. The games are just coming thick and fast, and it seems like he’s in a slump. But it can change; one goal can change everything. One action actually can change a person’s motivation and confidence.”
Grobler is currently third on the Betway Premiership scoring list with eight goals. He trails leading goals scorer Sede Junior Dion of Golden Arrows by four. Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners is second with 10 goals.
Tinkler believes Grobler still has an opportunity to finish on top of the scoring charts in the SA top-flight.
“Anything is possible. As I said, anything is possible. We are still chasing to finish in that top three, and we will need goals in order to achieve that,” he added.
“So if Bradley scores and gets back the opportunities… I don’t think he’s getting as many as we did at the beginning of the season. But if we can get back to those principles.”
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