The tactician has detailed how the young defender will lift Amakhosi with his skill set
Golden Arrows assistant coach Musa Bilankulu has given reasons why he believes defender Bradley Cross will be a huge success at Kaizer Chiefs.
Cross completed a transfer to Chiefs this week after Amakhosi activated his R3 million buyout clause and he is set to provide competition at left-back and central defence for Nasreddine Nabi’s side.
The former Newcastle United and Schalke academy graduate was one of Golden Arrows’ key players and Bilankulu says they have lost a gem who will greatly improve the quality of Chiefs’ game if he is utilised.
What is Bradley Cross bringing to Kaizer Chiefs?
“He came as a left-back, but later on we used him as a left-centre-back because he's got a good left foot, he can play out of the back easily, and he's got a good understanding at centre-back to cut the balls, anticipate and read the game more,” Musa Bilankulu told SABC.
“And he's a player that, when you want to build into your attack, he can help you play out from the back.”
Before his spell at Newcastle, Cross had spent time with Bundesliga side Schalke 04 where he played for their U19 side, coming after he had honed his skills at Mpumalanga Black Aces and the now defunct Bidvest Wits.
Golden Arrows sad to lose one of their key players
After leaving England, Cross returned home and joined Maritzburg United where he played briefly before a switch to Golden Arrows in 2023, making 24 appearances across all competitions in 2023-24, his impressive displays attracting Chiefs.
“Obviously it was a shock that he is leaving, and he's left a void because he was starting to have a good partnership with [Gladwin] Shitolo, but fortunately enough we've been having other combinations,” added Bilankulu.
“So, it's just a matter of activating the player that has to take over from [Cross], to make him ready, get his confidence up, and make sure he's ready to start the season.”
