Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
CHICKEN Inn central defender Teenage Hadebe yesterday began a week-long trial stint with South African Premiership giants Kaizer Chiefs. The left-footed national team defender, who can also play as a centre-back, will be hoping to impress coach Steve Kompela and join fellow countrymen Willard Katsande, Mitchelle Katsvairo and Edmore Chirambadare at the South African glamour side.
Katsvairo and Chirambadare completed their moves to Chiefs in June, each signing three-year deals.
Prominent soccer agent Gibson Mahachi, who facilitated Katsvairo and Chirambadare’s deals, confirmed that his client Hadebe was trying his luck at Chiefs.
Hadebe missed the Bulawayo derby between Highlanders and Chicken Inn as he left Bulawayo on Saturday, leaving the Gamecocks to rely on Moses Jackson and Lawrence Mhlanga in the clash.
“Hadebe is a good defender with a good body and skill. He left Harare on Sunday and will spend a week at Chiefs. I’m confident that he will do his best and impress the coaches at Chiefs,” said Mahachi.
With Chiefs registering Warriors’ captain Willard Katsande as a non-foreigner ahead of the new season following his acquisition of a permanent residence permit, Hadebe can take up the last vacant foreign slot if he impresses.
Katsande met the minimum five years required to be eligible for permanent residence last season and opted to apply for a South African identity document.
Chiefs are planning on registering Zambian forward Lewis Macha, the Zimbabwean duo of Chirambadare and Katsvairo for their five foreign players’ slots.
Injured Togolese forward Camaldine Abraw may be left out to create room for another player while he recovers with the hope of registering him in January when their mid-season transfer window opens. – @ZililoR