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Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs defender Teenage Hadebe has expressed his disappointment at having to withdraw from Zimbabwe's squad for the upcoming COSAFA Cup due to injury.
Hadebe was last week named in Sunday Chidzambwa's preliminary squad of 33 players, but the Amakhosi defender has since revealed that he has not yet recovered from an ankle injury that saw him miss the last matches of the 2017/18 season for the Soweto giants.
The 22-year old defender made 22 appearances in all competitions for the Naturena-based outfit.
He admitted that he is gutted to miss out on the regional competition as Zimbabwe bid for a record sixth COSAFA title.
Hadebe told the COSAFA 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 (Kaizer Chiefs) 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."
However, the defender said he is confident he will have recovered from the injury by the time his club begins their preparations for the new season.
"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."
