Kaizer Chiefs will have mixed feelings following the end of Bafana Bafana’s historic FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.
Amakhosi had just one player in coach Hugo Broos’ 26-man squad for the tournament – Bradley Cross.
Unfortunately, he did not play a single minute.
That has resulted in an unwanted first for Kaizer Chiefs.
However, there was also some good news for both Cross and the Soweto giants.
READ | Bradley Cross earns Kaizer Chiefs R2.8 million – without kicking a ball
UNWANTED HISTORY FOR KAIZER CHIEFS AT FIFA WORLD CUP 2026
Bafana Bafana have now participated in four FIFA World Cups – 1998, 2002, 2010 and 2026.
Prior to this year’s ongoing edition, Kaizer Chiefs had players feature on the pitch in every FIFA World Cup that South Africa have played in.
However, that changed in 2026.
As mentioned, despite being selected in the squad, Cross did not play a single minute.
Therefore, this is the first time in history that no Kaizer Chiefs player has featured for Bafana Bafana on football’s biggest stage.
At France 1998, Kaizer Chiefs had Doctor Khumalo and Brian Baloyi selected for the squad.
Baloyi didn’t get any minutes, but Khumalo was brought on from the bench for the last 25 minutes in the last group match against Saudi Arabia.
Four years later, at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan, Kaizer Chiefs were represented by Cyril Nzama and Jabu Pule (now Mahlangu).
Nzama played every minute, while, Pule came off the bench in South Africa’s second group match against Slovenia.
Then came the 2010 FIFA World Cup on home soil.
Kaizer Chiefs were well represented with Amakhosi legends left, right and centre.
Itumeleng Khune, Simphiwe Tshabalala and Reneilwe Letsholonyane all playing prominent roles for Bafana Bafana.
GOOD NEWS AS CROSS’S STOCK RISES
Despite not playing, Cross has still benefited from being selected in Broos’ final 26-man squad.
The Kaizer Chiefs defender has earned an estimated 10% rise in his evaluation in the period since his selection was confirmed, to just under R10 million.
That is the power of the FIFA World Cup.
Simply making the final squad can enhance a player’s reputation and market value, even without stepping onto the pitch.
Cross can hold his head high after earning a place among South Africa’s best.
He now returns to Kaizer Chiefs with an increased market value and the experience of being part of a historic Bafana Bafana squad.
DO YOU THINK CROSS SHOULD HAVE PLAYED FOR BAFANA BAFANA AT THE FIFA WORLD CUP?
Give us your valued views, Amakhosi. Let us know what you think in the comments below …
