It won’t be easy – Ekstein
It won’t be easy – Ekstein

Posted in News, Team News on Apr 19, 2018.

“It won’t be easy,” says Hendrick ‘Pule’ Ekstein ahead of Saturday’s Nedbank Cup semifinal against Free State Stars. “But we will work hard to progress to the final. It’s our aim to win the Nedbank Cup.”

The attacking midfielder has been in fine form in recent weeks. He netted the winner in last Sunday’s 1-0 over Platinum Stars, getting selected as the Man of the Match. This was his second Man of the Match award this season, the other coming after a good performance against Baroka FC in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal.

Pule’s goal against Dikwena came in the 49th minute when making a late run into the box to get at the end of Joseph Molangoane’s cross. His other goal came in the 3-0 win over AmaZulu in the Telkom Knockout Last 16.

“I put in extra work at training to help improve my finishing,” the 27-year-old comments, “usually with our assistant coach, Patrick Mabedi.”

He is excited about the two Man of the Match awards collected so far this season. “I always see the trophies when entering the room at home. Seeing those trophies motivates me to work harder and win even more.”

About the Nedbank Cup semifinal, the midfielder adds: “They are a tough team to play against. We only beat them recently thanks to a late goal in the 94th minute. It promises to be a competitive match, but we will be ready.”

The game will take place at eThekwini’s Moses Mabhida Stadium. “We enjoy playing in Durban,” he points out. “We usually get good support there. We want to make our supporters happy and grab this opportunity to reach a cup final with both hands. We will try our level best to win this trophy.”

Chiefs will host Free State Stars at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 21 April (kick-off is at 20:15).

The tickets for the match are on sale at TicketPro (SPAR, CNA, JET and Edgars) at R60 adults and R15 children.

Share this article: