AmaZulu midfielder Hendrick ‘Pule’ Ekstein reveals that Bafana Bafana’s record goalscorer Benni McCarthy always wanted to work with him and was influential in his decision to return home.
Ekstein moved to Europe after his departure from Kaizer Chiefs in 2019. He enjoyed a two-year stint in the Azerbaijan Premier League featuring for Sabah FC and Sabail FK.
The 33-year-old returned home to join AmaZulu, who were under the tutelage of McCarthy at that time and even got a chance to play in the CAF Champions League under the former Bafana striker.
He told iDiski Times writer Lethabo Kganyago in edition 182 that returning home was a decision of many factors and having the former Manchester United first team coach wanting to work with him also helped.
“Even when I made my move, I was in contact with him,” Ekstein told iDiski Times.
“He’s the one who told me that he had always wanted to work with me and that, if possible, on my return we could work together. I told him no problem and for me it was important to be wanted by the coach.
“But again, even if a coach wants you, you still need the buy-in of the team owner. So, I’m also grateful to Mr [Sandile] Zungu for bringing me to the club and believing that I could help the team.”
