The house of Bradley Cross is vibrating with pure excitement this week after the defender secured his spot in the Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Mexico. It’s a massive career milestone for the Kaizer Chiefs man, who stands as the solitary representative from the Soweto giants heading to the global stage. His partner, Dominique Pretorius, captured the exact moment the squad news dropped in a viral TikTok video. Wearing her official South African Football Association (SAFA) jersey, she screamed in disbelief as the announcement confirmed her man had made the 26-man cut.
I have no words to describe how incredibly proud I am of you. Every sacrifice and all the hard work have led you to this moment, and you are so deserving of this opportunity. What an amazing achievement!
Dominique Pretorius didn't stop there, using the post to praise the player’s character beyond his defensive duties on the pitch. She highlighted how he balances being an incredible athlete with his role as a devoted partner. The pair have a history that spans several years, as she revealed they started dating back when she was just 17. The couple solidified their commitment to each other in October last year during a romantic getaway on the Greek island of Mykonos.
Beyond her role as a social media creator and a dedicated partner to a PSL star, Dominique Pretorius holds down a professional life as a qualified teacher’s assistant. She also runs a small business specialising in personalised crafts for special occasions, proving that she’s quite the entrepreneur in her own right. Her content following on TikTok and Instagram often gives fans a glimpse into the softer, behind-the-scenes life of a footballer, far from the intensity of the stadium lights.
The Road to Mexico
The Bafana Bafana squad is set to depart for Mexico this coming weekend, carrying the hopes of a nation hungry for success. Before they board the plane, the team will play a final warm-up friendly against Nicaragua to iron out any remaining tactical wrinkles. Coach Hugo Broos has opted for a blend of local talent and international experience to navigate the challenges waiting in the North American tournament. The squad composition reflects a strategic shift from previous years, with a heavy emphasis on defensive stability. Cross has clearly impressed the technical team in this department.
Kaizer Chiefs supporters have been vocal on social media, expressing immense pride that their club still has a presence in the national setup despite a turbulent domestic campaign. For a club with the stature of Amakhosi, having only one player in the national squad reflects the current state of talent development and recruitment. Cross now carries the responsibility of representing the 'Gold and Black' army on the world's biggest football stage. He’ll be expected to maintain his composure against some of the best attackers in the world.
This tournament presents a unique challenge for South African players, as they must adapt to the conditions and time zones in Mexico. Most of the players are currently in the peak of their physical fitness, as they’ve just concluded the local league season. The psychological preparation is just as critical. Family support systems like the one provided by Pretorius play a key role in keeping the players grounded. It’s a short window of time for the team to gel, but the energy within the camp appears high following the official selection announcement.
The inclusion of a player like Bradley Cross provides a boost to the local league's credibility. It suggests that if a player consistently delivers at the club level, the doors to the national team remain open regardless of the club's current standing on the log. Coaches in the PSL will be watching closely to see how he fares. This could set a precedent for how the national technical team scouts for future talent. With the tournament kicking off next month, the anticipation across the country is reaching fever pitch.