Hadebe dreams big

By Allen Khumalo

National team and Chicken Inn central defender Teenage Hadebe believes his experience in the Premier Soccer League has helped him develop into a better player.

The 21-year-old former Bantu Rovers and Highlanders defender has been impressive in the league which saw him earning a call up into the national team and raising interest from South African giants Kaizer Chiefs.

Hadebe spent the first three years (2012-2014) of his professional career with Bantu Rovers before moving to Highlanders on a season-loan in 2015.

At the beginning of the 2016 season, the towering defender joined the then defending champions Chicken Inn on a loan deal which became permanent as the year progressed.

The young defender said playing for two big teams, Highlanders and Chicken Inn has helped him develop to a better player.

“Playing for big teams comes with a lot of pressure. There is no room for mistakes as doing so might cost you a jersey. That gave me more zeal and more concentration which has helped me to be what I am today,” he said.

Hadebe, who uses his height to great effect in set-pieces, treasurers the goal he scored when the local-based Warriors beat Zambia 1-0 in a friendly match which was part of the national team’s preparations for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“That was a big moment for me. Scoring on its own is a great feeling but scoring for the Warriors is something one treasures and as a defender it’s also a confidence booster,” he said.

Concerning his performance this season Hadebe said: “I will let those who have watched me play rate my performance but my aim is to keep improving with every game. I feel really happy to have been a regular at the club and even be part of the national team setup. I appreciate the confidence my club and national team coaches have had in me and I’ll continue working hard because sitting on my laurels can affect my chances of being in the national team.”

Hadebe said as Chicken Inn players they want to improve on their position four finish.

“I believe we played well as a team after a sloppy start. I hope next season we will build up from our strong finish and put a strong title challenge because we want to be champions,” said Hadebe.

Like any other ambitious player, Hadebe believes he has a bright future and his dream is to play in Europe. Chronicle