Following his inclusion in the Bafana Bafana 2026 FIFA World Cup squad as the only Kaizer Chiefs player, defender Bradley Cross says his focus is not on social media and banters.
Cross is one of two uncapped players in Hugo Broos’ side that will travel to America for the global showpiece along with fellow defender Olwethu Makhanya of Philadelphia Union.
Bafana are in Group A with co-hosts Mexico, Czech Republic and Korea republic at the event starting in June.
There were four players from Chiefs in the Bafana preliminary squad but Cross is the only one from the side that made the final cut. Social media has been abuzz with banter, with some people questioning his inclusion and some who have celebrated his call-up.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Bafana’s last match at home before the tournament Cross said he’s focused on working hard. and doesn’t care much about social media.
“Well, look, I don’t really focus too much on social media,” answered Cross when asked about being the only Amakhosi star and his take on the social media banter.
“I rather stick towards myself and what I can control. Like I said before, I just work hard, put my head down and look ahead.”
The former South African junior international also admitted that his journey in the game, which also took him abroad early on in his career, was worth it, as his long term goal was to represent his country at senior level.
“For me since I was young I was in the youth setups, I think U20 I was at the age of 16 and then I went overseas,” added the 25-year-old.
“It wasn’t easy, obviously that side it was a lot of competition.
“And then my decision was to come back to South Africa and my main goal was to get into the Bafana Bafana squad, and ever since then I’ve been working hard and staying focused.”