Big Blow: Kaizer Chiefs suffer injury scare before Betway Premiership opener
Soccer Bullet | 27.07.2026 19:39
Kaizer Chiefs were dealt a potentially major injury setback on Sunday after left-back Bradley Cross was forced off during the Toyota Cup clash against Scotland FC at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
Amakhosi secured a 1-0 victory in their final pre-season fixture, with youngster Mfundo Vilakazi scoring the only goal to hand Fernando Da Cruz his first win since taking charge.
The result provides Chiefs with a welcome confidence boost ahead of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign. However, the celebrations were dampened just before half-time when Cross picked up an injury and was replaced by Given Msimango.
The extent of the 25-year-old’s injury is yet to be determined, but it will be a concern for Chiefs, who open their league campaign against Kruger United on Saturday.
Cross has established himself as Amakhosi’s first-choice left-back and was the club’s sole representative in the Bafana Bafana squad that competed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Kaizer Chiefs could now face a selection headache in defence, with fellow left-back Paseka Mako also currently sidelined through injury. Should Cross be ruled out, Da Cruz may be forced to reshuffle his backline for the league opener.
Can Kaizer Chiefs find replacement?
Depending on Cross’ injury, Amakhosi will have to play Kruger United without a proper left-back. Given Msimango will have to slot in at left-back for the time being.
Amakhosi won their opening league match last season and went on to finish third in the Betway Premiership under Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.
