Bradley Cross returned to club football this week when he joined up with the rest of the squad in Spain - where Amakhosi are holding a pre-season training camp – following his participation in South Africa’s groundbreaking exploits in the 29026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

“It was such a great experience and an honour to be part of the team that made history for South Africa,” the tough-tackling defender tells www.kaizerchiefs.com, “The boys went out there to work hard and we achieved our goal of advancing from the group phase, and I hope we made our people happy.”

Cross has slipped seamlessly back into the fold as the team gears up for the domestic and continental campaigns that lie ahead.

“I can see the vibe in the squad is very good. The guys are gelling nicely together. It’s very hot here but we are working hard trying to improve every day,” he says.

Having arrived a few days after his teammates, Cross missed Amakhosi’s first tour match against Rangers but managed to get some minutes under his belt in the 1-1 draw against Saudi side, Al Khalood on Wednesday.

“I took some days off before I joined the team in Spain. I played 45 minutes and I felt good, to be fair,” he opines, “So I’m going to keep going to get ready for the season.”

The 25-year-old has been impressed with the Club’s home base in Alicante, revealing, “The facilities here are top-class. The fields are amazing, like carpets. The ball just glides across the turf. The hotel and amenities are also wonderful.”

Cross will hope to get some more playing time when Chiefs face Spanish La Liga outfit, Elche on Saturday and wants the team to give a good account of themselves before they return home to prepare for the Toyota Cup encounter with Scotland FC from Zimbabwe on 26 July.

“We just need to work as a team, build on our strengths and iron out our weaknesses; and give our best,” he states, “It’s pre-season so no matter the result we will learn something and I am looking forward to it.”

Ending off, Cross appeals to the fans to continue their incredible support for Amakhosi, urging, “Please keep following and backing us. I’m not sure they realise how much they motivate us and drive us to do better.”