Hendrick Ekstein (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)
“I realized that time was no longer on my side. I had to step up. I know what potential they saw when they first promoted me to the first team and I must thank coach Ernst and Shaun because they are helping me become a better player,” he said.
Ekstein also had a few words of advice for newly promoted Happy Mashiane who seems to have become and immediate hit with the fans who complained when he was substituted in Wednesday’s 1-0 Absa Premiership defeat to Cape Town City and later gave him a standing ovation as he walked to the dugout at FNB Stadium.
“He must play his normal football and he was signed because they saw his quality. He must continue working hard and add that quality to the team. He is doing well and I am happy for him. He must remain grounded and focus on improving his game and deliver to expectations.
“He must not be big headed and also not be intimidated if the supporters seem to turn against him when things are not going well. That is the only time our supporters turn against us when we are not doing well,” said Ekstein.
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