AmaZulu’s Hendrick Ekstein set to miss Orlando Pirates clash after injury setback

AmaZulu FC will be without midfielder Hendrick Ekstein for their meeting with Orlando Pirates on Wednesday, with coach Arthur Zwane confirming that the former Kaizer Chiefs player remains at least several weeks away from a return.

Ekstein has already missed AmaZulu’s first two fixtures of the season, including their Betway Premiership opener and the MTN8 quarterfinal. His continued absence is now set to affect the squad as Usuthu prepare to welcome the Buccaneers to Kings Park Stadium.

Zwane revealed that Ekstein lost between two and three weeks of pre-season training because of the injury. The midfielder has therefore fallen behind the rest of the squad in terms of fitness and match preparation.

The AmaZulu manager was asked whether the attacking midfielder could recover in time to face Orlando Pirates, but indicated that Ekstein is not expected to be available in the immediate future.

“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.”

Zwane’s comments suggest AmaZulu will continue without Ekstein while the club follows its fitness and rehabilitation process. The coach stressed that the player must first reach the required level before being considered for selection.

Ekstein’s absence is a significant setback for AmaZulu’s options in attack, with Zwane acknowledging the contribution the 34-year-old would be expected to make if he were fit and available. However, the coach made clear that the midfielder’s return will not be rushed after his interrupted pre-season.

AmaZulu are scheduled to host Orlando Pirates on Wednesday at Kings Park Stadium, with kick-off set for 19:30. The match comes after Ekstein missed both the team’s opening Betway Premiership fixture and its MTN8 quarterfinal.

The former Kaizer Chiefs star’s recovery timeline means AmaZulu must plan for the Pirates match without him and could remain without the midfielder for a further three weeks while he works towards full fitness.

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