MTN8 quarterfinal fixtures

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – AUGUST 12: Hendrick Ekstein of Kaizer Chiefs during the MTN 8 Quarter Final between Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United at Moses Mabhida Stadium on August 12, 2017 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Gallo Images)

Hendrick Ekstein appears Durban-bound despite preference to rejoin Kaizer Chiefs

Former Kaizer Chiefs playmaker Hendrick “Pule” Ekstein appears to be heading to Amazulu, despite reportedly setting his sights on a return to Naturena ahead of the new season.

MTN8 quarterfinal fixtures

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – AUGUST 12: Hendrick Ekstein of Kaizer Chiefs during the MTN 8 Quarter Final between Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United at Moses Mabhida Stadium on August 12, 2017 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Gallo Images)

Former Kaizer Chiefs playmaker Hendrick “Pule” Ekstein appears to be heading to Amazulu, despite reportedly setting his sights on a return to Naturena ahead of the new season.

Ekstein left Chiefs controversially

Ekstein, who left his boyhood club in rather controversial and acrimonious circumstances all of three seasons ago, has is thought to harbour ambitions of a return to Chiefs although, a move to Benni McCarthy’s Amazulu seems his most likely destination this transfer window.

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The pint sized midfielder has spent the last two seasons plying his trade in Azerbaijan, where he turned out for both top flight sides Sabah and recently Sabail where his contract has just expired at the relegated side.

Has been flirting with a return to Chiefs since

Ekstein had been flirting with a move back to Chiefs as soon as the day after his release from the club, stating on Supersport that he Chiefs will always be home, while also stating his gratitude to chairman Kaizer Motaung Senior before stating that he wouldn’t rule out a return to the club despite how he left.

Pirates have also been linked with his services

However, before Ekstein departed the country for Azerbaijan, his name was profusely linked with Chiefs arch-rivals Orlando Pirates, who have not disappeared on rumour columns about the now 30-year old.

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Again it doesn’t seem like anything will come out of those links to Pirates, however, in fact a move to Soweto, although Ekstein’s reported preference doesn’t seem like it will materialize as Chiefs don’t appear to be pursing his signature either at this point.

Amazulu appear his next club

That, however, doesn’t mean that Ekstein doesn’t have options, as Benni McCarthy is reportedly keen to add the trickster to his Amazulu arsenal ahead of a potential CAF Champions League journey next season. A source close to the player has explained his juxtaposition to The Citizen

 I think he (Ekstein) will go to AmaZulu,” said the source.

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“They have been in contact with him and he has also spoken with coach Benni McCarthy, so that says a lot. Things are easier for a player when the coach is the one who wants you. But, Chiefs is also on the cards because they gave him a break and as a loyal person he wants to give them first preference.

“If a good deal comes out from them (Chiefs), then I don’t think he would hesitate to go back. What I’m happy about is that he won’t be club-less by the time the league starts. He is a better player now and has grown so much in the game,” the source concluded on Ekstein’s situation.

Soweto giants already been busy in the market

Chiefs have already announced six new players for the next season but only one of those players is a player that plays in the forwards in former Bidvest Wits and Swallows FC winger Kgoagelo Sekgota. Returning loanee Given Thibedi is another option for Chiefs in Ekstein’s preferred number 10 role.

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Pirates on the other hand, announced four signings of their own last week, with none of them playing in Ekstein’s positions. However, links between Ekstein and Pirates have died down of late.

READ | ORLANDO PIRATES CONFIRM FOUR NEW SIGNINGS

It now seems as if Ekstein’s most likely colours will be the green of Amazulu. Would he be great addition to McCarthy’s side?