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Langton Nyakwenda, Bruce Chikuni
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WARRIORS coach Michael Nees still believes United States-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 the US; he wants to get a green card.
“He is a very good player who cares about his family,” Nees told the media soon after announcing a 23-man squad at ZIFA offices in Harare yesterday.
Zimbabwe resumes 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.
Leaders Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin are tied at the top with seven points; Lesotho have five, while Nigeria are on three points and second from bottom.
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 man has excused himself from international duty, reportedly because he wants to fix his documents in America.
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 set-up.
Scottland have six players in the Wrriors 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 pre-season in Zambia, two or three weeks, Simba Bhora, and 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.
The 57-year-old German also defended his decision to hand Mauchi a first-time call-up.
Nees took the time to explain the selection and omission of certain players.
The 22-year-old Mauchi is the youngest on the list of defenders picked by Nees.
Mauchi has been a revelation at Simba Bhora, becoming a fan favourite.
Last season, the giant defender played 30 matches as Simba Bhora won the Castle Lager Premiership.
Then Simba Bhora coach Tonderai Ndiraya entrusted Mauchi with the defensive duties at the expense of the more seasoned but aging ex-captain Partson Jaure.
Mauchi’s exploits also caught the eyes of a Castle Lager panel of selectors who selected him among the Soccer Stars of the Year.
He also put on a fine show in the season-opening Castle Challenge Cup between Simba Bhora and Dynamos that helped convince Nees to take him on board.
Mauchi is the only player from the Premiership champions who made Nees’ list, and the coach reserved some praise for him.
“Mauchi was a regular for Simba Bhora last season and played a crucial role in their championship win.
“He has a good defensive record and has shown versatility by playing wing-back,” said Nees.
Nees also revealed that the team’s pre-season training in South Africa helped Mauchi’s case.
Mauchi expressed his excitement, saying it was a dream come true to be part of the squad alongside veterans who include Marshal Munetsi, Khama Billiat, Washington Arubi, and Knowledge Musona.
“It’s a dream come true, and I want to give all the glory to God for making this possible.
“I never thought it would happen so soon, but I believe God’s timing is always best. I’m grateful to my supportive family, Coach Nees, and the Simba Bhora family.”
“I’ve been praying to be ready to make the most of the opportunity when it comes,” Mauchi said.
Online Reporter