Friday, 30 October 2026:- The South African Communist Party (SACP) pays tribute and conveys its message of condolences to the family of legendary South African footballer Les Grobler, who died on Wednesday.

The SACP also conveys its message of condolences to the footballing fraternity, including his colleagues during his playing days as well as the members of the various development structures in which he was involved, for the loss.

Les Grobler was one of the major stars of South Africa’s late 1980s and early 1990s football as he forged a fierce reputation as a rugged, clinical forward for yet another legendary club, Moroka Swallows. As a forward, he was known for his aerial dominance and striking prowess, which helped both PG Rangers (later called Grinaker Rangers) and Moroka Swallows to major silverware in the old National Soccer League, famously helping Rangers win the National Soccer League title in 1986, as well as helping Swallows lift the 1989 Mainstay Cup and the 1991 Bob Save Super Bowl.

Grobler is one of the legends who, through their unmatched commitment and talent, laid the ground for South African football’s return to the international sporting community after decades of international sports ban and isolation due to the apartheid system’s state-mandated racial segregation in sports and social life.

After retirement, Bradley did not abandon the sport. He involved himself in development projects which helped to unearth talent which has contributed to the growth of South African football. One of his greatest products in that development is his son, Bradley, who has, over time, become one of the deadliest finishers in the Premier Soccer League’s 30-year history.

Having been coached by his father since the age of three and becoming a professional at 19, Bradley has established himself as one of the league’s leading goalscorers, surpassing the 100-goal mark in top flight football. He was a Golden Boot winner in the 2020/21 season with 16 goals for SuperSport United and has scored 130 Premier Soccer League career goals, as he continues to chase the league’s all-time scoring record held by former Mamelodi Sundowns forward Peter Shalulile, who has 134 goals.

In tribute to Les Grobler, the SACP reiterates its call for the development of South African sport, with a specific focus on townships and rural areas, where the working class is mostly populated but lacks the necessary facilities and means to develop their sporting careers. Towards this goal, various government departments must work together, including, but not limited to, the department of basic education and the department of sports and culture.