PROFILE

By Nick Said

Kaizer Chiefs have made a stuttering start to the new season and will be seeking inspiration for Saturday’s Soweto Derby, especially with a number of key players potentially sidelined through injury.

The clash against Orlando Pirates, always the most important in a season for Chiefs fans, could therefore be the perfect platform for playmaker Pule Ekstein, an undoubtedly gifted but often underwhelming talent.

Ekstein has long been touted as a rising star of South African football.

But now 27, he needs to deliver on that rich potential or be forever thought of as someone who never lived up to their own hype.

He gave a good all-round showing in the Telkom Knockout win over Black Leopards on Sunday, capping his performance with a well-taken goal, and could start again in the crunch game with Pirates this weekend.

Siphiwe Tshabalala’s exit from the club and an elbow injury to Lebo Manyama have given him an opportunity