Middendorp wants Ekstein to stay at Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has made it clear that if it was up to him, he would keep unsettled midfielder Pule Ekstein at Amakhosi for next season.

The 28-year-old diminutive midfielder was a surprise inclusion in the team’s starting XI with Middendorp having said he had given him time to think about his future as he missed a few games recently but gave a starring performance for the Glamour Boys on Sunday afternoon, helping the side to a 2-0 win over Cape Town City in a Nedbank Cup match at Mbombela Stadium. Ekstein scored the first goal and was central to the side’s attack.

“Pule is one of the best players I have worked with. I have said this a lot of times. He has a bit of an irritation at this moment. I hope he will stay. I hope he can be with us. He knows my interest and I think he should reflect a little bit on where he has been,” said Middendorp.

When Ekstein was pulled off with less than 10 minutes remaining, he got a standing ovation from the fans and got a hug from the day’s captain, Bernard Parker, and Middendorp. Football manager Bobby Motaung also gave Ekstein a hug at the end of the game and they were seen whispering to each other.

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