Vusumuzi Dube
Blessing Malinganiza
TEENAGE HADEBE is one of the most experienced players in the Zimbabwe national team, having featured for the Warriors in the last two African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The 28-year-old Houston Dynamo defender also took part in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers before Zimbabwe’s suspension from international football in 2021.
Zimbabwe are now back in the international fold after FIFA lifted the embargo in July and will kick start their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda at Huye Stadium in Butare, Rwanda today.
The Warriors will wear black armbands in honour of the late football legend, Rahman Gumbo who passed away on Friday.
Kickoff is 3PM.
Hadebe, who flew directly from the United States of America to Rwanda, is relishing the opportunity of wearing the Zimbabwe national team jersey once again.
“It’s always nice to play for your country,” Hadebe told Zimpapers Sports.
“We were missing international football and I am delighted that Zimbabwe are back from the suspension and we as players can have that chance of representing our country.
“So, I guess that is motivating us enough going into the game against Rwanda.”
Hadebe is one of the eight defenders named by Warriors coach Brito, in a 23-man squad set to face Rwanda this afternoon.
But the United States based centre back is a sure bet for the starting lineup, given his vast experience.
The other centre backs in the squad are Peter Muduhwa (Highlanders), Frank Makarati (Dynamos) and Munashe Garan’anga (Sheriff Tiraspol).
Mamelodi Sundowns left back Devine Lunga is also one of the most experienced players in that squad having played for Zimbabwe at the 2019 AFCON finals in Egypt.
His name went viral after he outshined Egypt star Mohamad Salah in the opening game of the tournament.
Udinese left back Jordan Zemura also played at the 2021 AFCON finals in Cameroon and is expected in Rwanda this morning.
“It’s good that our squad has a mixture of experienced and young players,” says Hadebe.
“The senior guys have the duty to hand hold the new guys so that they get to settle quickly in the national team set up.
“Above all, what is important is the team performance and not individual performance. And I believe with team work we can do well against Rwanda.”
After playing Rwanda today, Zimbabwe will host West African giants Nigeria at the same venue on Sunday, since Zimbabwe has no venue certified by Caf to host international matches.
Bongani Ndlovu