JOHANNESBURG – Kaizer Chiefs’ first-team squad returned to training this week, with at least two players glued to the TV screen watching his country trying to qualify for the World Cup round of 16.
Leonardo Castro spent his holidays mostly in his native Colombia, but is back and excited about Thursday’s last group match against Senegal.
During his stay in Bogota, the striker also took care to keep fit, usually by playing indoor soccer with some friends. “We played five-a-side games,” Castro points out.
Of course, he followed closely the performances of Colombia, feeling that the midfielder Quintero has so far been the most impressive performer for his country.
Colombia face Senegal in the last round of the group stage and it will be a do-or-die for both countries. “We will go through,” Castro predicts.
Castro’s teammate Teenage Hadebe has a different perspective on the outcome of Thursday’s crucial encounter.
“For sure, Senegal will go through to the round of 16,” the Zimbabwean defender says with a big smile on his face.
“They have been playing well. To see them beat Poland in the first round was awesome.”
Zimbabwean defender Teenage Hadebe believes Senegal can beat Columbia. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Hadebe was selected for the Zimbabwean national team for the 2018 Cosafa Cup. He had to withdraw due to his injury, but followed the games on TV. “I was happy we won the trophy. We did great and deserved to win.”
He also watched a few games of the local sides Highlanders and Chicken Inn in Bulawayo. “Of course, I had to see my former teams in action.”