Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
FOR Teenage Hadebe, the journey to professional football will always trace back to one city – Bulawayo.
It was there, on its football-mad streets, where his career was forged.
His breakthrough came with Chicken Inn, a launchpad that propelled him to South Africa and, eventually, to Major League Soccer in the United States.
Though he is now based thousands of kilometres away, the bond with his hometown has never frayed.
That deep-seated attachment makes his return to Barbourfields Stadium today feel more than just another fixture.
Hadebe will take to the pitch for a friendly match between the Warriors and Highlanders – a game which represents a homecoming for the defender.
But the occasion carries a weight far beyond a single 90 minutes.
This match serves as a crucial tune-up for the Warriors, who will be departing for Botswana to compete in a Four Nations tournament on Saturday.
Yet, for the fans expected at Barbourfields, the event is a celebration of legacy.
Highlanders are commemorating a monumental 100 years of existence, a century of pride, tradition and community.
“This is not just a friendly,” said Hadebe.
“For the people of Bulawayo, Highlanders is not just a team, it is a way of life.
“To see them celebrate 100 years, it is a massive achievement.
“To be here, wearing the Warriors jersey, in front of my own community, on a day when we are honouring that history.
“It means everything to me.”
He noted that the timing of the match, nestled between the centenary celebrations and the upcoming international duty, creates a perfect synergy.
“The energy from the fans is going to be incredible,” he added.
“This match is for them. We know they are coming to celebrate their team’s history, but we also want to give them a good performance to show that we are ready to represent the nation.
“The support here lifts you, it gives you that extra push as we prepare for Botswana.”
