Kaizer Chiefs defender Bradley Cross has named the ex-Amakhosi star he draws inspiration from ahead of the much-awaited Betway Premiership Soweto Derby at the weekend.
The Glamour Boys are set to go head-to-head with their arch-rivals, Pirates, on Saturday, 3 May, at the FNB Stadium in Soweto, with the kick-off for the sold-out clash at 15:00.
Cross is yet to feature in a Soweto Derby since his arrival at Chiefs in September 2024. However, the 24-year-old left-back is hoping that he can finally make his debut on Saturday.
In the current season, Cross has played 22 games across all competitions for Chiefs under the guidance of coach Nasreddine Nabi.
WHO’S THE PLAYER BRADLEY CROSS DRAWS INSPIRATION FROM AHEAD OF THE SOWETO DERBY
The former Golden Arrows defender Cross revealed that he grew up watching the Soweto Derby, and witnessing players like Siphiwe Tshabalala play in big games of this magnitude has stuck with him. He believes that it will be a driving force for him if he gets a chance to play at the weekend.
Tshabalala dedicated his life to over 10 years of notable service to Amakhosi, featuring in 31 Soweto Derbies. In those 31 matches, he started 29, came on as a substitute two times, and found the back of the net on four occasions.
“It is a huge occasion and to be part of the derby has been an ambition of mine, so if I get to play in my first derby on Saturday, I will consider it a big achievement for me, personally,” said Cross.
“It will be a dream come true to play in the Soweto Derby. It’s the biggest match in the country by miles, and I have watched it since I was young. Players such as Siphiwe Tshabalala doing his thing have stuck in my memory, and hopefully I get to experience it on the weekend.”
CROSS FEELS CONTENT ABOUT FACING PIRATES WHO ARE DEEMED FAVOURITES TO WIN
The former Golden Arrows man remains content about facing Pirates who have been doing well this season, citing that there’s no “form book” when it comes to Soweto Derbies.
“Obviously, they have been doing well recently. We respect them as opponents and acknowledge their ability, but I feel we need to focus more on ourselves and get to where we want to be. That’s the mentality we are taking into the game,” he added.
“We expect them to come in with confidence, and we want to match that from our side. There is no form book when it comes to the Soweto Derby. Everyone gives their absolute best, and anything can happen on the day.”
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