AmaZulu FC will have to cope without Hendrick Ekstein for some time after coach Arthur Zwane confirmed the midfielder is still recovering from injury.
Ekstein has already missed Usuthu’s opening two fixtures of the season, including the Betway Premiership opener and their MTN8 quarterfinal.
According to Zwane, the former Kaizer Chiefs star missed three weeks of pre-season training because of the injury.
With AmaZulu preparing to face Orlando Pirates, Zwane was asked if Ekstein could return in time. The coach made it clear that the attacking midfielder is not expected back soon.
“Pule is not going to be available anytime soon. He missed about two to three weeks of pre-season,” said Zwane.
“So maybe he needs another three weeks in terms of making sure that he’s ready. And obviously we’ll have to follow the protocol. We have to [follow] protocol in terms of the level of fitness.
“The other players are ahead of him. We know that if he was available, he was going to give us something.”
AmaZulu will welcome the Buccaneers on Wednesday at Kings Park Stadium with kick-off scheduled for 19:30.
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