Ex-Chiefs star to miss Mukuru Four Nations final over ‘Whiskey video’

The Zimbabwe national team was rocked by a major scandal ahead of Tuesday’s Mukuru 4 Nations Tournament final. Warriors star defender Teenage Hadebe, formerly with Chiefs, has been suspended for the Zambezi Derby against Zambia set for Tuesday evening at the Obed Idani Stadium in Francistown.

Zimbabwe secured their spot in the four-team tournament sponsored by the next-generation financial services platform, Mukuru, after thrashing Botswana 3-0. Neighbours Chipolopolo edged Malawi 10-9 after a dramatic penalty shootout on Saturday.

The two teams now clash in the much-anticipated final set for a 6PM CAT kick-off. Fans across the continent can catch all the action live on SuperSport and GOtv, with coverage spanning multiple regions and channels.

In South Africa, viewers can tune in via SuperSport PSL (Channel 202) and SuperSport Variety 4 (Channel 209). Across the rest of Africa, the matches will be available on SuperSport Africa, including Channel 207 in Nigeria and Channel 227 in other regions.

GOtv subscribers will also be able to follow the tournament live on SuperSport Africa, Channel 63, Channel 163 in Ghana, and Channel 363 in Uganda, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the action.

WHY EX-CHIEFS STAR TEENAGE HADEBE WAS SUSPENDED

Hadebe, who plays for FC Cincinnati, was suspended after a controversial video surfaced on social media. The drama unfolded after a video surfaced on TikTok showing the United States-based defender holding a bottle of whiskey.

The footage was recorded while the team was in camp, a blatant violation of the squad’s strict professional standards.
In a formal statement obtained by the ZamFoot Crew, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) confirmed the disciplinary action:

“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) confirms that Warriors defender Teenage Hadebe has been found in breach of the team’s camp code of conduct… Teenage Hadebe has been suspended for one match and will therefore miss the final of the Mukuru 4 Nations Tournament against Zambia.”

ZIFA noted that ex-Chiefs defender Hadebe has since issued an apology and accepted the consequences, but the technical team is refusing to budge on their “zero-tolerance” policy regarding accountability.

The timing couldn’t be worse for Zimbabwe. Hibernian defender Munashe Garananga suffered an injury and had to be replaced by Chippa United’s Isheanesu Mauchi.

Warriors mentor Mario Marinica on Monday confirmed Garananga was ruled out of the final. “It doesn’t look good, but he’s under treatment, and he’s under medical investigation,” Marinica said.

The suspension of ex-Chiefs star Hadebe means they will have to do without two of their experienced defenders for the final. In the absence of the duo, Mauchi could start alongside Gerald Takwara in the heart of defence. Marinica also has Highlanders defender Andrew Mbeba as backup in that central defence position.

NAKAMBA EYES GLORY WITH FORMER CHIEFS OUT

Warriors captain Marvellous Nakamba believes Zimbabwe have everything it takes to win the Mukuru Four Nations Tournament.

Zambia coach Oswald Mutapa anticipates a fiercely fought final but remains confident in his team’s strategy. “We expect a very tough game… but we must be clinical and bury the game when the chances come,” he said.