How Kaizer Chiefs' Bradley Cross blocked out the noise to seal Bafana dream

Bradley Cross has finally worked his way into the Bafana Bafana squad for the Fifa World Cup, revealing that it was vital to block out the outside noise and focus entirely on his own journey.

Cross was included in the final 26-member Bafana squad heading to North America, announced by coach Hugo Broos at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House on Wednesday night. His inclusion caught some by surprise, given that he had been cast out of the international set-up for some time. Cross, though, reflected on his call-up as reaping the hard-earned rewards of his labour.

“Personally, this has been a long-term goal. I have made the preliminary squad quite a few times,” Cross said. “So, I just told myself to continue working and prove to the coach that I am capable of being part of the team.”

Cross’ dream of forcing his way into the World Cup squad truly began when he decided to leave Newcastle United’s reserve team in England to return to South Africa during the 2022/23 season, subsequently spending time with Maritzburg United and Golden Arrows before landing at Kaizer Chiefs.

“Since I was young, I was in the youth setup,” Cross reflected. “When I was 16 years old, I was already playing for the Under-20s. I then went overseas. It wasn’t easy on that side because there was a lot of competition. I decided to come back to South Africa and my main goal was to get into the Bafana squad. Since then, I have worked hard and stayed focused.”

Joining a club of Chiefs’ immense calibre was originally expected to fast-track Cross’ international ambitions, but the club’s previously lacklustre performances forced Broos to routinely overlook the Naturena outfit. However, thanks to the Glamour Boys' improved third-place finish this season, the Belgian tactician looked much deeper into the Chiefs squad ahead of the global showpiece.

While the likes of Brandon Petersen made the provisional list, Cross was ultimately the only Chiefs player to make the final cut. Reflecting on the 25-year-old's call-up, Broos noted that the defender had shown immense improvement, though external squad dynamics also played a role.

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

The inclusion of the versatile defender has been a saving grace for the Amakhosi faithful, ensuring the club will have representation at the World Cup, even if they still trail arch-rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns in total squad numbers.

Cross, though, remains entirely unbothered by the online chatter surrounding Chiefs’ depth, and he has no intention of starting now — his sole focus is making his minutes count on the global stage.

“I don’t focus much on social media. I’d rather stick to myself and what I can control,” Cross concluded. “Like I said before, I work hard, put my head down and look to the road ahead.”