Kaizer Chiefs defender Bradley Cross has expressed his enthusiasm for the healthy competition for a spot in the starting lineup.
The 24-year-old, who joined from Golden Arrows, started both of the Glamour Boys’ opening matches of the season against Stellenbosch and Polokwane City.
He was substituted in the 1-0 win over Polokwane City after 75 minutes due to a minor knock, but is expected to be fit for the upcoming match against Richards Bay.
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Cross faces stiff competition at left-back, with the recent arrivals of Paseka Mako from Orlando Pirates and Nkanyiso Shinga from Portuguese side FC Alverca.
“For me, having competition is good. You improve and you don’t get complacent. So having guys in the same position helps me and is good for squad depth,” Cross said as quoted by the Citizen. “I can take good things from them that they might have and I don’t. And I might have things that they don’t have.”
Now in his second season with the Amakhosi, Cross is focused on building on a challenging first campaign under coach Nasreddine Nabi, which saw the team finish ninth. He credits the criticism from last season for his personal growth.
“It is normal to receive constructive criticism, it helps me as a player,” he added. “It was a very difficult time, but you have to go through those times; it makes you stronger as a person. I kept my head down and worked hard.”
Reflecting on the team’s strong start, Cross is cautious but optimistic, noting that they won’t get ahead of themselves like they may have in previous seasons.
“Last season, I think we got a bit excited after we started off with two wins. But we have learned, and we must take every game step-by-step, one at a time.