Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza, Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOR towering defender Teenage Hadebe, pulling on the Warriors jersey isn’t just another assignment. It’s a calling, one that stirs his sense of duty and pride every time his name appears on the national team sheet.
Throughout his career, Hadebe has answered that call with remarkable consistency. From his early days in the domestic league to his current stint with MLS side FC Cincinnati, he has remained a dependable figure in Zimbabwe’s backline under several coaches, each trusting his calm authority and heart on sleeve performances.
Now, as the Warriors brace for two remaining World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Lesotho, Hadebe’s focus hasn’t shifted. The fixtures might be dead rubbers on paper, but for him, they carry something far greater, national pride.
“Receiving a national call up is the highest accolade a footballer can achieve,” Hadebe told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“It’s an opportunity I have never taken for granted. I am grateful that different coaches have continued to find value in my abilities. That alone is motivation to keep pushing and improving in every assignment I’m involved with.”
His patriotism runs deep. To Hadebe, the Warriors jersey is more than fabric, it’s a pledge to represent his nation with honour. He hopes younger players will adopt the same spirit.
“Zimbabwe is our country. We must honour it with blood and sweat on the pitch,” he said.
“Many players crave this chance. Wearing this jersey is a privilege whose worth cannot be overstated. I will one day look back with pride, knowing I wore these colours with everything I had.”
While Zimbabwe’s World Cup dream is over, the Warriors sit bottom of Group C with just four points, Hadebe refuses to let disappointment define the team.
“The dream is alive, but we must not despair if we stumble. We learn, we improve and we persist. Our time will come,” he said.
For now, his mind is fixed on the upcoming fixtures.
“Our upcoming matches are solely about national pride,” he declared. “And we are ready to explode onto the pitch.”
