UNITED STATES – Zimbabwean international defender Teenage Hadebe last week, returned to the United States to begin preseason training with FC Cincinnati ahead of the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season.
Hadebe, who spent the off-season break in Zimbabwe, rejoined his teammates last week Friday.
The Warriors’ second vice captain, who signed with Cincinnati as a free agent in August 2024, is lined up for his first full season with the club.
Hadebe said he is eager to continue with the performances he produced at the end of last season that saw him begin to command a jersey in Cincy’s starting XI.
“I’m ready to kickstart the 2025 season,” Hadebe said from his US base.
Hadebe who also who vowed to “give my all for this club” when he signed for Cincy, added:
“I have not changed my goal or mindset about this club. I will continue to give my all as we look forward to achieving many goals this season.”
Initially, the former Kaizer Chiefs defender was a substitute upon his arrival.
However, he secured a starting position as the 2024 season progressed.
This followed his stellar performances towards the end of the season that draw praise.
Notably, his display in Cincy’s 1-0 home victory over New York City in the first leg of the MLS Cup playoffs in October, saw Cincinnati staff writer Carter Chapley praising the left footed central defender.
“The Zimbabwe international’s performance stood out as it was (as promised before), in as objective a way as you can evaluate it, his best performance in a River Kit (or Canvas Kit for that matter),” Chapley wrote after the match.
“Which now comes after his formerly best performance in the Decision Day victory. Two data points can not mathematically create a trend, but the progress is undeniably encouraging.
“His performance also sparked the kind of intensity and drive a playoff game needed. With every tackle he gave a fistbump to fire himself up.
“When a teammate would make a good play he was the first to give a cry of encouragement. Hadebe brought the playoff spirit to a playoff matchup, and raised his performance to meet it.”
Hadebe was instrumental for the Warriors in their qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals which will be held in Morocco in December.
