Zimbabwe coach Marian Marinica has revealed his stance on former Kaizer Chiefs defender Teenage Hadebe, who was suspended by ZIFA after breaching camp rules during the Mukuru Four Nations Cup.
Hadebe was slapped with a one-match suspension by ZIFA, as a result, missing the Mukuru Four Nations Tournament final against Zambia.
The Warriors of Zimbabwe won 1-0, beating Chipolopolo at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, Botswana on Tuesday.
However, facing Zambia without Hadebe appears not to have bothered coach Marinica, after earning his first title as Zimbabwe head coach.
‘IT’S WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE’, SAYS MARINICA
Marinica admits the FC Cincinnati centre-back, a senior international player, displayed unruly behaviour in camp but says it is now water under the bridge.
“I don’t really know what was happening. Human beings sometimes make mistakes. You made a mistake, live with that, and you know, it’s water under the bridge. Now we’ll have to look to the future,” Marinica said.
The 30-year-old violated the code set by ZIFA regarding player conduct while in camp. The lanky defender was given a one-match suspension after going viral on TikTok.
In the video, Hadebe appeared in a jovial mood, dancing while holding a bottle of whisky in a hotel room. Additionally, this suggested he might have been drinking.
Furthermore, players who included team captain Marvelous Nakamba, Orlando Pirates winger Daniel Msendami, Magesi FC goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze, and Highlanders duo Andrew Mbeba and Mongameli Tshuma were also seen in the hotel room.
Simply put, Hadebe’s behaviour was totally out of line at this level, considering he is one of the senior players in the team.
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