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Arriving at a time when Kaizer Chiefs supporters were sceptical about the influx of Zimbabwean players at Naturena, Teenage Hadebe admits he felt the pressure even before playing his first match in the Amakhosi colours.
The Chiefs fans were unhappy as other teams’ fans ridiculed them with claims that their team were getting a “buy one and get one free” bargain in Zimbabwe. Hadebe came in at the start of this season, not long after Ovidy Karuru, Edmore Chirambandare and Michelle Katsavairo had failed to make the grade at the Glamour Boys.
“Yes I felt the pressure,” he said. “It was because the fans were saying this and that and some of it was bad things. But as a player you have to be strong and prove your worth. I think I have now proved myself because they like me and want to see me on the pitch,” said the tall central defender.
Hadebe has forged a strong partnership with Daniel Cardoso and Ramahlwe Mphahlele as Chiefs have conceded just two goals in their last five matches. He said he struck an immediate understanding with Cardoso, whom he refers to as the captain of the defence.
“I like Cardoso because he takes responsibility, leads us and he is the captain of the defence. He tells us what to do,” said the 22-year-old. Hadebe was injured before kicking a ball and he said it was a horid time for him.
He is now fit and ready to help Chiefs in their Absa Premiership title chase where they trail Mamelodi Sundowns by five points with nine games to go.
“As a team we don’t care about Sundowns. It was only in Wednesday’s game that I was interested in them. I was supporting Free State Stars because I wanted Sundowns to drop points. It happened and we are now just five points behind them and we are now focusing on ourselves.”
Chiefs host Bloemfontein Celtic at the FNB Stadium tomorrow evening in a match Hadebe said only a win would be an acceptable result for them.
“It’s a big match because Sundowns have just dropped points. It is our chance to go and play with confidence and close out that match. All we need are the three points to close the gap,” he said.