Teenage Hadebe says that he has had to withdraw from the COSAFA Cup after Kaizer Chiefs told him to rest following an ankle injury.
The 22-year-old had a solid debut campaign for the Amakhosi as he played a role in helping them finish the season with one of the strongest defences in the Absa Premiership, however, he was plagued with injury and only managed to make 13 league appearances.
Read: Amakhosi Star On His Way Out?
Hadebe was named in Sunday Chidzambwa's squad for the competition as Zimbabwe look to try and defend their title, but after missing the final games of the season he has been told to rest up and complete a full recovery.
He told COSAFA's official website, "It's an honour to represent my country. I am glad for the call-up, unfortunately, I had an ankle problem so the club decided to rest me. I didn't even play for the last five games of the season and I am so disappointed at having to miss out on the COSAFA Cup. I just want to wish the guys all the best of luck.
"This COSAFA Cup is also important in that it is helping us prepare for the AFCON qualifiers and I think we have a very strong squad. But it's tough I am out… Really sad because I wanted to be part of the group and defend our title and I know we can."
Read: Chiefs Star Suggests Amakhosi's Biggest Flaw
Meanwhile, regarding the Amakhosi's upcoming venture into the continent, the defender said, "I am happy we finished third with Chiefs and we will get a chance to play in Africa which will be a good experience and I am sure we could be having a new coach by then."
Chiefs are expected back on June 25th as they get their pre-season preparations underway.
