Teenage Hadebe of Kaizer Chiefs (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)
It looks tough but Kaizer Chiefs defender Teenage Hadebe believes it is possible, as Amakhosi look to overturn a 3-1 deficit in their Caf Confederation Cup play-off second leg match against Zesco United at FNB Stadium tomorrow night.
Hadebe said all they have to do is shut the back door and let their strikers do what they are best at – scoring goals.
“If we keep it tight at the back we will be fine. I have confidence in our attackers – they are good – they can get us three or four goals. We just have to be aggressive and play our normal game and fight for the result,” he said.
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He admitted, however, that the Zambians might come for a draw to preserve their lead and advance to the group stages.
“They are physically strong and they are very quick. I won’t lie, it is going to be a difficult game for us. We didn’t know before how they play but now we have a sense of how they will turn out and we will be ready for them and hopefully get a positive result,” he said.
Having struggled with injuries at the beginning of his Chiefs career, Hadebe is slowly cementing his place at the heart of the Amakhosi defence and he said the arrival of Ernst Middendorp helped him because he is used to the formation that the German coach uses.
“It was easy to adapt, I came on as a sub against (Mamelodi) Sundowns and started against (Bidvest) Wits. I am used to the formation because it is the same we used under Steve Komphela. I play as a left centreback who changes to left back as required,” said Hadebe.
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Chiefs recently recalled Lorenzo Gordinho from his loan at Bloemfontein Celtic to boost their back line but the 23-year-old Hadebe is not fazed as he likes competition – it keeps him on his toes.
“We are a big club and have quality in all departments. Lorenzo’s return boosts us as it increases competition and forces everyone to work hard every day.
“As a player it’s about competing, to be the best you can be and work very hard. You have to face challenges. That is what we are doing at training… everyone is working really hard so that the best man can play on matchday. We are not jealous of each other but we support those who play.”
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