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Fungai Muderere
IT would seem Warriors central defender and vice-captain Teenage Hadebe was on the radar of United States (US) Major League Soccer (MLS) side LA Galaxy before FC Cincinnati recently secured his services on a contract until 2025, with an option for a further year.
FC Cincinnati plays in the Eastern Conference of the MLS and LS Galaxy are in the MLS’ as a member of the Western Conference. After previously providing a home to celebrated former Manchester United captain David Beckham, LS Galaxy has Julián Aude from Argentina,the duo of Gastón Brugman Martín Cáceres of Uruguay among other talented players.
To complete the signing of the ex-Kaizer Chiefs, Highlanders, Chicken Inn and Bantu Rovers towering defender, FC Cincinnati traded their first-round pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft and a conditional US$50 000 in 2025 General Allocation Money to LA Galaxy.
“FC Cincinnati have signed defender Teenage Hadebe to a contract through the 2025 season with an option for 2026. Additionally, FCC have traded their natural first-round pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft and a conditional $50,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM) to LA Galaxy in exchange for the Right of First Refusal for Hadebe,” announced FC Cincinnati with regards to their capture of the 28 year old Makokoba bred footie star.
Hadebe’s experience is expected to bolster FC Cincinnati’s defence. The signing is seen as a significant move for FC Cincinnati, who are aiming to build on their recent performances.
Hadebe featured in 11 matches for Konyaspor of the Turkish Süper Lig in the 2023/2024 season. The player has made 51 appearances in MLS, all with Houston Dynamo FC from 2021 to 2023.
Hadebe joined Houston ahead of the 2021 season as a Designated Player. In his three seasons with the club, Hadebe made 56 appearances across all competitions, including 16 matches in 2023. He appeared in both the 2023 U.S. Open Cup Final in Houston’s win over Inter Miami CF and in the 2023 Western Conference Final at LAFC. He scored three goals and added one assist in his stint with the Dynamo.
Prior to joining Houston, the left-footed centre back appeared in 60 games for Yeni Malatyaspor in the Turkish Süper Lig. Hadebe earned Süper Lig Team of the Season honours following his first year with the club and earned Süper Lig Team of the Week honours five times during the 2020/2021 season. He also appeared in the UEFA Europa League for the club against Slovenian side Olumpija in a 2019 qualifier. Hadebe made his professional debut at 17 with Bantu Rovers, where he played from 2012-2015.
The defender remained in his hometown of Bulawayo and joined Highlanders for a season and finished his career in Zimbabwe in 2017 with Chicken Inn.
Online Reporter
Colletta Dube