Grobler Hat-Trick Propels SuperSport Five Points Behind Downs

On Thursday night, Bradley Grobler scored a hat-trick as SuperSport United beat Royal AM 3-1 in a DStv Premiership match. SuperSport manager Gavin Hunt made six changes to the team that had been defeated by Polokwane City in the Carling Knockout, with Thulani Hlatshwayo returning from suspension and recalls for Terrence Dzvukamanja, Kegan Johannes, Onismor Bhasera, Gape Moralo and Selaelo Rasebotja.

Grobler opened the scoring for the hosts in the 12th minute with a first-time shot in the box from a cross by Johannes. Dzvukamanja came close to doubling the lead four minutes later, but his header came off the post. Royal AM upped their game going forward after the half-hour mark, but they could not find clear chances and went into halftime trailing 1-0.

John Maduka’s side responded positively after the break, with Zukile Mkhize levelling the score four minutes into the second half with a close-range shot at the back post from a rebound. Hunt then made two tactical changes just after the hour-mark, introducing Keenan Bezuidenhout for Etiosa Ighodaro and Lyle Lakay for Rasebotja.

The changes had the desired effect, as SuperSport had prolonged spells of possession and with 15 minutes to go, Grobler restored their lead, getting his brace and fourth goal of the campaign with a header in front of the goal-line. He then completed his hat-trick six minutes before time with a side-footed shot from close-range after a cross by Dzvukamanja.

The win saw SuperSport United climb up to second on the table, five points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.