Bradley Cross reacts to criticism from Kaizer Chiefs fans and dismisses game time threat from Nkanyiso Shinga and ex-Orlando Pirates star Paseka Mako - 'I think it helps me as a player to improve'

Bradley Cross is currently Kaizer Chiefs' number one left-back despite the club signing two players for that position.

A fit-again Paseka Mako and Nkanyiso Shinga, who arrived at Naturena after a stint in Portugal, are Cross' competitors for the left-back role.

But Cross is unfazed by the criticism he endured in the two games he has played, as he also comments on the competition for game time.  

“Well, it’s normal to receive constructive criticism. I think it helps me as a player to improve,” said Cross as per FARPost.

“I believe it helps the team grow and move forward, whether I make mistakes or not. It is also good to have healthy competition in that position [left-back].

“Firstly, I think having competition is beneficial because it helps you improve and prevents complacency. Having the guys [Mako and Shinga] in the same position is good for squad depth.”

Just as Cross has stated, the Chiefs left-back role is a position the Soweto giants appear to have depth in.

It is a role coach Nasreddine Nabi might not worry about, unlike other areas where he needs a creative midfielder and a prolific goal-scorer, which he would be hoping to find in new signing Etiosa Ighodaro.

With rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns having started the season not in terrific form, Amakhosi could be fancying their chances of winning the Premier Soccer League title.

Amakhosi host Richards Bay in a PSL match at FNB Stadium on Tuesday.

It is a match they would be trying to seal a third successive league win, and it would be seen if Cross will be in the starting line-up again.