Kaizer Chiefs have triggered a R3 million release clause to secure Golden Arrows defender Bradley Cross. The club is now in talks to finalise personal terms with the former Newcastle United player, and expectations are high that Cross will agree to the move.
Cross, a 23-year-old left-footed defender, joined Golden Arrows at the start of last season after leaving Maritzburg United on a free transfer. Despite Arrows’ inconsistent 2023/24 season, Cross impressed, making 24 appearances and catching the eye of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos. His performances earned him a spot in the national squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Benin.
Kaizer Chiefs’ head coach, Nasreddine Nabi, is known for favouring versatile players. Cross, who can play as a left centre-back or fullback, fits well into Nabi’s tactical plans. His calmness on the ball and ability to start attacks from the back make him a strong candidate for a starting position. He could challenge Rushwin Dortley at left centre-back or compete with Bongani Sam and Happy Mashiane for the left-back role.
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Cross’s positive attitude and solid character have earned him praise at Golden Arrows. If the deal goes through, he will become Chiefs’ sixth signing, joining the likes of Bongani Sam, Fiacre Ntwari, Rushwin Dortley, Gaston Sirino, and Angolan defender Inacio Miguel.
Cross’s football journey began at Bidvest Wits, and he later played for Schalke 04’s Under-19 team before moving to England, where he represented Newcastle United’s Under-21 and Under-23 sides. The Magpies signed him in 2020 after a successful trial, following his loan spell at Schalke. Unfortunately, an injury at Newcastle sidelined him, leading to a period of inactivity. He returned to South Africa to recover and restart his career.
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“Overseas, it’s quite difficult,” Cross shared in a previous interview. “I tried in Germany and England. Unfortunately, I got injured at Newcastle, so I came back to South Africa for rehab. I was out of football for too long and needed to get back on track. I felt that doing so in South Africa was the right choice.”
Two years ago, Cross attempted to join Kaizer Chiefs, but his trial was unsuccessful, likely due to fitness issues as he was still recovering from his injury. He later signed with Maritzburg United in January before moving to Golden Arrows after Maritzburg’s relegation.
A move to Chiefs could be a significant step forward in Cross’s career as he continues to aim for a return to European football.
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