Improved Bradley Cross earned Bafana Bafana Fifa World Cup place, says coach Hugo Broos

Bradley Cross’ inclusion in the final 26-man Bafana Bafana squad for next month’s Fifa World Cup is based on his improved performances at Kaizer Chiefs, with coach Hugo Broos believing he can provide valuable cover at left-back.

Cross will head to the global showpiece next month, realising a dream after returning to South Africa a few years ago to play for the now defunct Maritzburg United (now known as Durban City) and Golden Arrows before joining Chiefs two seasons ago.

His adaptation at Chiefs was not seamless. He initially struggled at left-back and fell down the pecking order. However, his fortunes changed this season as he climbed back up the ranks ahead of experienced defender Paseka Mako.

Cross’ return to the national team setup, after previously being called up during Broos’ tenure, could not have come at a better time as he prepares for the World Cup in North America.

Broos rates Cross highly as both a footballer and a person, but stressed that he remains behind Aubrey Modiba and Samukelo Kabini in the pecking order, with Modiba currently nursing an injury.

Should Modiba fail to recover in time for the opening game against Mexico on June 11, Broos says Cross could deputise for overseas-based defender Samukelo Kabini at left-back.

“Bradley was with us a few years ago, but he suffered because of the level Chiefs were at during that time. But things got better at Chiefs last season,” Broos said.

“We also had a little problem with Modiba, so I had to look at that. Normally there should be no problem for Modiba, but if there is, we have Kabini on the left-hand side. That was not the only reason, but one of the reasons for calling up Cross.”