Blessing Malinganiza
TEENAGE HADEBE says there is no better feeling than representing one’s country.
The Houston Dynamo defender will be among the Warriors who will plunge back into the jungles of international football when they take on Rwanda in a 2026 World Cup qualifier today.
The 28-year-old defender also took part in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers before Zimbabwe’s suspension from international football.
The Warriors will wear black armbands in honour of football legend, Rahman Gumbo who passed away on Friday.
Kick-off is at 3pm.
Hadebe, who flew directly from the United States of America to Rwanda, is relishing the opportunity of wearing the Zimbabwe national team jersey once again.
“It’s always nice to play for your country,” Hadebe told Zimpapers Sport.
“We were missing international football and I am delighted that Zimbabwe are back from the suspension and we, as players, can have that chance of representing our country.
“So, I guess that is motivating us enough going into the game against Rwanda.”
Hadebe is one of the eight defenders named by Warriors coach Baltemar Brito, in a 23-man squad set to face Rwanda this afternoon.
“It’s good that our squad has a mixture of experienced and young players,” says Hadebe.
“The senior guys have the duty to hand hold the new guys so that they get to settle quickly in the national team set-up.
“Above all, what is important is the team performance and not individual performance.
“And, I believe with team work we can do well against Rwanda.”
Highly-rated midfielder Tivonge Rushesha, who had been eligible to play for the Wales national team, arrived in Rwanda yesterday after choosing to play for the Warriors.
The 21-year-old is one of the youthful faces who many believe represent the future of the Warriors.
He joined English League One side Reading in August this year and has made two appearances and provided an assist.
Peter Ndlovu, widely regarded as the greatest Warrior of all-time, is also in Rwanda after being lured to provide support for the team.
The Flying Elephant was on target the last time the Warriors won in Rwanda 2-0.
After playing Rwanda today, Zimbabwe will host Nigeria at the same venue on Sunday.