Former Kaizer Chiefs player, Teenage Hadebe, has clinched his first trophy since moving to the United States two years ago.
Hadebe’s team, Houston Dynamo, emerged victorious in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup, defeating Inter Miami 2-1 in a thrilling final.
The Zimbabwean defender started the game on the bench and made his appearance during stoppage time in the second half.
Although the 28-year-old, didn’t make a significant impact on the match, it was evident that his team had already secured control during the first half.
This triumph represents Hadebe’s first silverware since departing Zimbabwe in 2017, with his only other honour being the Independence Cup medal he won with Chicken Inn in 2016.
Inter Miami player, Lionel Messi, watched the match from the stands. The Argentine superstar had been substituted in the prior week’s match against Toronto FC due to an old injury and subsequently sat out Miami’s draw against Orlando City on Monday.
The victory for Houston Dynamo was sealed with goals from Griffin Dorsey and an Amine Bassi penalty, propelling them to a 2-0 lead in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Josef Martinez managed to score a consolation goal for Miami in stoppage time.
Houston’s goalkeeper, Andrew Tarbell, played a pivotal role with three crucial saves as Dynamo secured their second US Open Cup title in five years. Inter Miami defender Jordi Alba also missed the match to an injury.