Ex-Chiefs star Ekstein coming home

While former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Hendrick Ekstein is enjoying life and his football career in Azerbaijan, he has not forgotten about his hometown of Bekkersdal in the West-Rand, Johannesburg, where he hosts an annual Under-17 tournament.

Speaking to Phakaaathi on Thursday, the midfielder can’t wait to get back home and give back to his community, where the place is totally different from Baku, where Ekstein is based and playing for Sabah FC.

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“I will be home for the tournament, but sure exactly when, but I will be around. We have been battling with trying to find sponsors with some people making promises, but nothing has been put into concrete. We only have one sponsor which is El Dambe,” said the midfielder.

One of the tournament organisers, Tshepo Makgetha, who is making sure that things run smoothly while Ekstein is not around, said their the main objective was to see players being able to see their dreams of playing football materialise. And they are happy that they have teams as far as Kimberly, Mafikeng and Mpumalanga.

“We had a few challenges last year with some teams not being able to affiliate for the tournament and Ekstein had to dig deep into his pocket to buy some of the stuff like trophies, medals, paying the referees and buying soccer kits. But this year, it’s much better. We have about 11 teams who have already affiliated so far with the affiliation fee of R500, but we need 16 teams,” said Makgetha.

“From last year’s tournament, we were able to produce a youngster Karabo Modisane for the National Under-17 team, who was the top goal-scorer at the competition. This is what we want for all the youngsters who are participating in the tournament because it’s all about giving them exposure and the opportunity to showcase their talent. There will be a couple of scouts at the tournament, who will be keeping a close look at the boys.”

The tournament will run from December 27 until December 30 with first prize money being R3,500, a soccer kit, trophy and medals. The runners-up will walk away with R1,500, medals and a soccer kit.

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