Hendrick Ekstein set to return for AmaZulu after injury lay-off

AmaZulu FC are set to welcome back Hendrick Ekstein, with the midfielder expected to be available for selection in their next Betway Premiership match after recovering from an injury.

Ekstein, one of the club’s leading performers last season, has been sidelined since suffering the injury shortly before the start of the campaign. His absence meant he missed almost a month of training and fell behind his team-mates in terms of match fitness.

An insider told BBC Sport that Ekstein remains part of head coach Arthur Zwane’s plans and is making good progress in his recovery.

“Ekstein is still with us, and he is still very much part of the technical staff’s plans for this season. It’s just that he is currently nursing an injury,” revealed an insider.

The 33-year-old travelled with the AmaZulu squad for Wednesday’s match against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, although he watched the game from the stands rather than taking a place on the bench.

“He traveled with the team to Pretoria. He was there sitting in the stands against Sundowns. But he will probably be available for the next game.

“The first couple of games, he was not available because he’s been nursing an injury. Though he was not on the bench against Sundowns, he did travel with the squad, and they will be training on Thursday.

“But I can’t reveal the type of injury [he suffered],” added the source.

Ekstein’s return would provide a boost for AmaZulu, who were beaten 5-2 by Mamelodi Sundowns in their most recent Betway Premiership fixture.

The former Kaizer Chiefs player missed a significant part of AmaZulu’s pre-season preparations because of the injury. As a result, he has had to watch the team’s promising start to the season from the sidelines while working to regain his fitness.

Despite the heavy defeat by Sundowns, AmaZulu remain fourth in the table, sitting behind the Big Three.

The team’s strong start has been helped by Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, who has scored seven goals in five matches across all competitions.

AmaZulu’s next assignment is a meeting with fellow KwaZulu-Natal side Richards Bay FC. The match will be played at Umhlathuze Sports Complex on 4 September.

Ekstein’s expected return means Zwane could have another experienced option available as AmaZulu look to respond to the defeat against Sundowns and maintain their position among the leading sides in the Betway Premiership.