USA-based defender Teenage Hadebe is doubtful for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals after failing to report for the start of the national team camp due to family commitments.
The highly-rated defender, who enjoyed an impressive debut season at Major League Soccer (MLS) side Houston Dynamo, was named in the 30-man provisional squad announced last week.
Although Hadebe is already in the country, he is however yet to join the camp as he is reportedly attending to some pressing family commitments in Bulawayo.
This was revealed by the Warriors team manager Wellington Mpandare.
“Teenage Hadebe has been in the country for three weeks is still in Bulawayo attending some pressing family issues, it has been dire for him so we don’t know if he will make it or not, we will talk to him sometime in the next two days and find out,” Mpandare said.
A total of 24 of the 30 players named in the provisional squad are in camp ahead of the start of training on Sunday. The Warriors depart for Cameroon on December 27.
The quintet of captain Knowledge Musona, Tino Kadewere, Jordan Zemura, Admiral Muskwe, and David Moyo, is expected to fly directly to Cameroon after New Year’s Eve.
The Warriors build-up to the Afcon finals has been laden with many challenges, with key players such as Marvelous Nakamba, Marshal Munetsi and Brendan Galloway withdrawing through injury.
Wigan defender Tendayi Darikwa excused himself citing family issues while poster boy Khama Billiat retired from international football on the eve of the competition.
The Warriors’ participation is also uncertain due to a looming ban from Fifa after the world football governing body gave the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) until January 3 to reinstate the Zifa board.
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