Bradley Cross’ lack of World Cup minutes good for Chiefs, says Kaze

For many, a major tournament spent on the sidelines might seem like a wasted trip.

However, former Kaizer Chiefs coach Cedric Kaze argues that Bradley Cross’ lack of minutes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a significant victory for both the player and his club.

Cross was the sole representative from Amakhosi in Hugo Broos’ South Africa squad, a notable inclusion at a time when Chiefs players have found it difficult to secure spots in the national team.

Bradley Cross of Kaizer Chiefs — Bradley Cross. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

His selection followed a season where the Soweto giants finished third in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), trailing champions Orlando Pirates and runners-up Mamelodi Sundowns.

Why Kaze thinks Cross and Chiefs won

While Cross made the final cut for the tournament, goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, right-back Thabiso Monyane and midfielder Lebohang Maboe were all named in the provisional squad. This increased national team consideration could provide a foundation for the club to build upon in the upcoming season.

Despite not playing a single minute in Bafana Bafana’s four matches, Kaze believes the experience of simply being at the World Cup is a crucial milestone for the defender.

Kaizer Chiefs defender Bradley Cross warming up during Bafana's World Cup campaign. — Kaizer Chiefs defender Bradley Cross warming up during Bafana’s World Cup campaign. Photo: Imago

“I will say the World Cup is an event that comes after four years, and it’s the most beautiful world event above all the other sports,” Kaze told FARPost.

“I’m pretty sure that the experience that he [Cross] is going to get from this World Cup, the confidence that he is going to come back with, the self-belief, and to have been able to be in this squad, at this competition, even if he did not play, will help him as well as his club”

Third-choice left-back at World Cup

Cross was an unused substitute as coach Hugo Broos consistently favoured Mamelodi Sundowns’ Aubrey Modiba at left-back, with Norway-based Samukele Kabini also providing cover.

His presence on the bench for all four games made him an integral part of a Bafana Bafana team that made history as Hugo Broos’ side achieved a significant milestone by advancing from the group stages of the expanded World Cup for the first time.

South Africa finished as runners-up in Group A behind co-hosts Mexico, placing ahead of South Korea and the Czech Republic.

Bafana Bafana’s World Cup journey concluded in the Round of 32 after a defeat to co-hosts Canada.