Earning the Man-of-the-Match award on your debut for the biggest Club on the continent in front of a capacity crowd of passionate supporters is a sure sign that a player belongs at the highest level. That was the fate of Bradley Cross, who scooped the accolade for his consummate performance at left fullback in Kaizer Chiefs’ victorious opening Betway Premiership encounter against Marumo Gallants at the Toyota stadium on Saturday.

Cross, who impressed the Club’s scouting network sufficiently while playing for Golden Arrows last season to lure him to Naturena, cuts a sturdy figure who can hold his own in physical exchanges while also possessing the necessary technical ability to play progressive, possession-based football. His prowess in the air was there for all to see in Bloemfontein when his towering leap and firm header in the first half against Gallants took an exceptional reflex save from Washington Arubi to deny him a majestic goal.

His tenacity and strength of will were also on display throughout; he never took a step back, and it was likely with Cross in mind when, at the post-match press conference, Coach Nabi said, “The most pleasing difference I see in the team from last season is the winning attitude of the players. This is an important change in culture, which I am very happy about.” It would seem that the versatile 23-year-old is the type of character who can be a key component in the Nasreddine Nabi revolution at Naturena.

On receiving the personal recognition, Cross told www.kaizerchiefs.com with typical humility, “I’m just very happy that we got the three points. We all stuck together and worked for each other. The coach has instilled that in us and today I am happy with the way we pulled together to fight back and get the win.”

Amakhosi fans will be keenly following his progress and, barring unforeseen circumstances, can expect to see him in action against when Chiefs play AmaZulu in their next Betway Premiership clash, on 25 September in Durban.