Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
WARRIORS coach, Michael Nees, still believes USA based defender Teenage Hadebe has the qualities to play in the national team and has described the Cincinnati player as a “very good player who cares about his family.”
The 29-year-old Hadebe is not part of the Warriors squad that will face Benin and Nigeria in the World Cup qualifiers.
He has excused himself as he wants to focus on completing his US citizenship process.
“Teenage Hadebe has an appointment with the authorities in USA, he wants to get a green card.
“He is a very good player who cares about his family,” Nees told the press, soon after announcing a 23-man squad at ZIFA Offices yesterday.
Zimbabwe resume their World Cup qualifying campaign with a date against Benin in Durban on March 20.
They will then face Nigeria in Uyo on March 25.
The Warriors anchor Group C with two points from four matches.
Rwanda, South Africa and Benin are tied at the top with seven points, Lesotho have five while Nigeria are on three points.
Hadebe featured in Zimbabwe’s three opening qualifiers against Rwanda, Nigeria and South Africa but played cameo roles in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as he was recovering from an ankle injury.
The gangly defender has fully recovered and is one of the most experienced players Nees can rely on.
But, the former Chicken Inn defender has excused himself for duty this time around as he wants to fix his documents in USA.
The absence of Hadebe has created a gap for newcomers like Simba Bhora defender Isheanesu Mauchi and Scottland’s Peter Muduhwa who has made a return to the Warriors setup.
Scottland have six players in the squad and have the highest representation from local clubs.
Apart from Muduhwa, Scottland also have Khama Billiat, Godknows Murwira, Mthokozisi Msebe, Tymon Machope and Walter Musona in the national team.
Nees explained his decision.
“They (Scottland) had a good preseason in Zambia, two or three weeks, Simba Bhora they were also in South Africa,” said the gaffer.
The German still thinks Zimbabwe can claw their way back into contention for a place at the 2026 World Cup finals.
“They are still 18 points to play for.
“But realistically we are in a difficult situation,” said Nees.
