Former Kaizer Chiefs star Teenage Hadebe has been slapped with a one-match suspension by the Zimbabwe Football Association [ZIFA] after breaching camp rules.
The 30-year-old will miss the Mukuru 4 Nations Tournament final where The Warriors are set to take on Zambia on Tuesday at 18h00 [CAT] at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium.
Zimbabwe beat Botswana 3-0 in the semi-final, while Zambia knocked Malawi 9-8 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in regulation time.
However, Marian Marinica’s men will have to make do without the FC Cincinnati centre-back, a senior player who has exhibited uncouth behaviour in camp.
Hadebe breached the code set by ZIFA on how players must conduct themselves while in camp. He was suspended because of a TikTok video that went viral on Monday.
TIMING OF ZIFA’S ANNOUNCEMENT QUESTIONED
In the video, Hadebe is seen in a hotel room dancing while holding a bottle of whiskey, implying he might have been drinking. Players including team captain Marvellous Nakamba, Orlando Pirates winger Daniel Msendami, Magesi goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze, Highlanders duo of Andrew Mbeba and Mongameli Tshuma were also in the hotel room.
Simply put, Hadebe’s behaviour was totally out of line, especially with Warriors newcomers like Tshuma watching. Additionally, the timing of ZIFA’s announcement has thrown a spanner in the works, overshadowing the team’s prep for the Zambia final.
The decision has also raised some eyebrows, with questions about fairness. Hadebe was singled out when others players, captain Nakamba, Chipezeze, Msendami, Tshuma and Mbeba were not mentioned.
WHAT ZIFA SAID IN ANNOUNCING HADEBE’S SUSPENSION
ZIFA confirmed Hadebe’s one-match suspension, calling it a corrective measure. “The Zimbabwe Football Association confirms that Warriors defender Teenage Hadebe has been found in breach of the team’s camp code of conduct.
“Following this, a disciplinary decision has been taken in line with team regulations. Teenage Hadebe has been suspended for one match and will therefore miss the final of the Mukuru 4 Nations Tournament against Zambia.
“The player has since apologised to the team and the Association, and has accepted the disciplinary outcome. The Association and the technical team remain committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and accountability within the national team setup,” ZIFA said in a statement.
Hadebe, who can play as a left-back and left-sided centre-back, is one of the senior players in the national team setup. He has garnered 32 caps, with four goals under his belt.
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