Posted in News, Team News on Nov 03, 2017.
Since the last Fifa-break, Amakhosi played three league games, beating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 and having two goalless draws against respectively Orlando Pirates and Polokwane City. AmaZulu, meanwhile, was last week convincingly beaten by Kaizer Chiefs in the Telkom Knockout Last 16. Ekstein was attributed one of the three goals in that match.
The AmaZulu match was the midfielder’s 50th wearing the Gold and Black jersey, having started 25 times and coming on as a substitute in a further 25 games. The goal against Usuthu was his third.
‘Pule’ is satisfied with his recent form, “I always want to play, but there is heavy competition for places in the first team. My teammates are also motivating me a lot, forever pushing me, because they know what I am capable of.”
The 26-year-old midfielder made his debut for Chiefs back in 2015.
As a youngster, he would eagerly follow exciting midfielders like Jabu Pule (now called Mahlangu), Scara Ngobese and Siphiwe Tshabalala, now his teammate.
Ekstein can these days often be seen staying behind at training, working on his shooting and on one-on-one situations in the box. “I have missed a few goalscoring opportunities,” he reflects, “I get into good positions, but I need to concentrate on my finishing.”
On Sunday’s Telkom Knockout quarterfinal against Chippa United, the skilful midfielder says, “It won’t be an easy game, but we will obviously be looking forward to win.
“Whenever we play in Port Elizabeth, our beloved supporters will always be there. I hope they will turn up in numbers again to support us. We will give them a good game.”
Tickets for the game between Kaizer Chiefs and Chippa United are sold at TicketPro outlets nationwide for R40 adults and R15 for juveniles. TicketPro outlets are found at Jet Mart Store, Edgars, CNA and select Spar and Postnet.