Kaizer to make Ekstein call?

What the Siya crew has been told…

Kaizer Chiefs’ Hendrick ‘Pule’ Ekstein is a player that divides opinion, and the fact that coach Giovanni Solinas – and Steve Komphela before him – have not made him a regular starter in their teams suggests that he’s not just a player that the Amakhosi faithful aren’t sure on.

According to Siya sources, the attacking midfielder’s future with the Glamour Boys is up in the air at the moment; however, one major factor counting highly in his favour is that club chairman, Kaizer Motaung, is believed to be a big fan of his.

Solinas has given Ekstein just two starts in the Absa Premiership this season, following the arrival of players such as Khama Billiat and Lebogang Manyama, and there is talk that not everybody at the club is convinced that he has what it takes to continue playing for a club of Chiefs’ stature.

However, the Siya crew has been informed that management – who ultimately make the decisions – are considering handing the player a lengthy new deal that would effectively see him remain with the club until he reaches his 30s. Soon to be 28, Siya sources have explained ained that the club area preparing a new offero for Ekstein that couldc span three years, thoug gh at this point in time there have been no indication ns as to whether he wi ill sign it or not.

Tho ough he is co onsistently touted d as ‘one for the fu uture’, ‘Pule’ is now w 27 years old and hash less than 80 first team appearances s to his name, with his critics insisting that he needs to start turning it on soon if he is to prove himself to be Kaizer Chiefs quality. The prospect of a new deal could give him the impetus that he needs to really take it up a notch on the field, and he will be buoyed by the fact that Motaung wants to see him succeed. With a three-year deal on the cardscards, it does appear that – reardless of the plit opinion the attacking idfielder does have a future at Naturena, and he will be eager to make sure that 2018/19 is his most effective season to date in order to prove that he is worthy.

While there has been no official confirmation regarding the length of Ekstein’s current deal, it has been previously reported by the Siya crew that it will expire at the end of the currentc season, meaning that he will technically be able to open up talks with any other interested parties come the turnt of the new year.

Ekstein was heavily linked with a move to Chippa United towards the end of last season, though in the end he stayed ono with Chiefs.

The Siya crew is aware that thet club admires the player and,a while there has been non talk of a move in recent months, indications are that they would welcome his arrival, r given the opportunity.