‘Chiefs defence will be alright, we are working hard as defenders’

Contest for places is good – Hadebe

With six central defenders at Kaizer Chiefs, Zimbabwean international Teenage Hadebe says the competition will ensure they have a tight defence. Amakhosi have conceded nine goals in their last five official matches, including a 2-1 defeat to Zesco United of Zambia in the play-off round of the CAF Confederation Cup at FNB Stadium last weekend. Chiefs failed to reach the group stage after going down 52 on aggregate.

Hadebe, 23, is fighting it out with Daniel Cardoso, Mario Booysen, Mulomowandau Mathoho, Siyabonga Ngezana and Lorenzo Gordinho for a starting berth.

Last season Hadebe featured in only 16 matches and was out for sometime with an ankle injury. This season he’s made 12 appearances in all competitions and he is hopeful of playing more under Middendorp. “For sure, I’mhappy this time that I’m getting game time. It’s a good improvement for me,” said Hadebe, who joined Chiefs from Chicken Inn of Bulawayo back in 2017.

“At the back we just need to keep it simple, keep clean sheets, because the fans are complaining that we are conceding, but that’s how football is. “Regarding the competition, it’s good for us. For us to play at our best, we have to work hard and face the challenge. That’s what we are doing at training, everyone is doing their best.” On Sunday, Chiefs travel to East London to face Tornado FC in the first round of the Nedbank Cup at Sisa Dukashe.