Chiefs ease concerns over Bradley Cross injury after Toyota Cup win

Kaizer Chiefs have played down injury fears over defender Bradley Cross after he was taken off as a precaution during Sunday’s Toyota Cup victory over Scottland FC.

Cross, who was the club’s only representative at the recent World Cup, started the match but did not finish it after feeling discomfort, prompting concern among supporters already worried by injuries in the squad.

Head coach Fernando da Cruz moved quickly to clarify that the 25-year-old’s withdrawal was not the result of a serious problem and was instead a protective decision made with the new campaign in mind.

“He felt pain, but it was more of a precaution,” said Da Cruz, explaining that Cross has not yet built up full match sharpness following his international commitments. “We will need him during the season, so it was precaution.”

World Cup representative unused despite call-up

Although Cross travelled to the World Cup as Chiefs’ sole player at the tournament, he did not see any game time.

His experience contrasted sharply with the club’s previous involvement on football’s biggest stage. In earlier tournaments for which Bafana Bafana qualified, several Kaizer Chiefs players featured, including Doctor Khumalo, Cyril Nzama, Jabu Mahlangu, Itumeleng Khune, Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Siphiwe Tshabalala.

This was the first time Chiefs have had a player in a World Cup squad without that player registering a single minute on the pitch.

Late return and heavier pre-season workload

Because Bafana Bafana progressed to the knockout rounds, Cross joined up with his club later than most of his team-mates for pre-season preparations.

His workload at Naturena has been increased this year, with defensive resources stretched by injuries to Paseka Mako and Nkanyiso Shinga. Those setbacks have heightened the importance of Cross’s availability ahead of the domestic campaign.

Da Cruz acknowledged that Cross arrived back at Chiefs with less time to build fitness than others who had a full off-season, something that was factored into the decision to remove him once he felt discomfort against Scottland FC.

The French coach stressed that protecting the defender now is central to ensuring he is available over the longer term as the fixtures start to come thick and fast.

New season on horizon

Chiefs’ management will continue to monitor Cross in the coming days, but Da Cruz’s comments suggest the centre-back is expected to be in contention as the season gets under way.

The Soweto club begin their new league campaign with an away trip to Kruger United on Saturday, a fixture that marks the start of a demanding schedule in which squad depth will be tested.

With Mako and Shinga already sidelined, ensuring Cross remains fit has become a priority for Chiefs as they look to stabilise their defence and improve on last season’s performances.