AmaZulu FC are set to reward midfielder Hendrick Ekstein with a new contract following his impressive performances in the 2023/24 season.

Ekstein emerged as AmaZulu’s standout player this season, justifying a contract extension.

Ekstein’s current deal expires in June 2024, but Usuthu are eager to retain him after a season that showcased his value. The 33-year-old clocked up 30 appearances across all competitions, contributing one goal and one assist.

Ekstein’s resilience shone through after being sidelined in the first half of the 2022/23 season by former coach Brandon Truter, who deemed him surplus to requirements alongside Thabo Qalinge. Both players were relegated to training with the DStv Diski Challenge team, a situation they handled professionally.

However, a change in management led to a brighter outlook for Ekstein and Qalinge when Romain Folz took over the reins at Usuthu in late 2022. They were re-integrated into the first team during the January 2023 transfer window. While Qalinge departed at the end of the season, Ekstein remained a key figure.

The former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder, who 2014/15 league and MTN8 with Amakhosi, joined AmaZulu in the 2021/22 season under Benni McCarthy after a three-year stint in Azerbaijan with Sabah and Sabail.

Uncertainties Remain for Other AmaZulu Players:

Ramahlwe Mphahlele faces an uncertain future at AmaZulu, although the club holds an option to extend his contract. The same applies to Veli Mothwa, currently with the Bafana Bafana squad. The expiry of George Maluleka’s contract suggests this might be his final month with Usuthu.

Loan players Sifiso Ngobeni (Mamelodi Sundowns) and Ben Montshwari (Orlando Pirates) will return to their parent clubs at the end of the season.