Hendrick ‘Pule’ Ekstein has been AmaZulu’s go-to-man this season, and that’s why he’ll be tipped to steer his side to three points when they face Sekhukhune United tonight (7.30pm) in Umlazi.
Usuthu have had two coaching changes this season, with the duo of Arthur Zwane and Vusumuzi Vilakazi replacing Pablo Franco Martin late last year.
Zwane and Vilakazi have done decently so far, moving the team from the foot of the table to the bottom half (12th), having bagged four wins from nine league games.
But while their role is to prepare the team and coach on the touchline, Ekstein has heeded to most of their instructions, chipping in with four goals and an assist in the last eight games.
The 34-year-old’s contributions have solidified his place in the team as he also brings out the best in the youngsters in their offensive approach. Hence, Zwane lauded a collective effort.
“I want us to be honest, Igo (Etiosa) has played a huge role, (Rowan) Human, 23, has played a huge role. Tshepang (Moremi), 24, as well,” Zwane said.
“There’ll be those days when chances created are not going to be converted. Yes, Pule has been one lucky player who’s been at the right place at the right time. He’ll take those chances.”
Ekstein and his teammates failed to score in their last game as they played to a goalless draw with arch-rivals Golden Arrows in the KwaZulu-Natal derby.
But Usuthu didn’t drop two points for lack of effort. They were the best team on the day, so much so that Arrows were spared from the jaws of defeat by goalkeeper Ismail Watenga.
AmaZulu cannot afford to be denied from scoring by the goalkeeper against Babina Noko, though, as they need to show their prowess and convert their chances on the day.
“Yes, it’s a call for concern when you are not scoring, especially when you have created them. But it’s a good headache when we are creating chances,” Zwane added.
“We must work on our finishing, and I think from thereon, we’ll be able to score goals. The worrying factor is that we’ve been scoring goals early in the first half in the past few games.
“And now I think it’s that thing of if we don’t score early, (what’s going to happen)? But when he (Ekstein) scores again, we are happy.
“We are just embracing the improvement and the effort that the players are putting out there. In most of the games, their display was good. So, we are happy.”
🗣️ 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 𝗜𝗦 𝗘𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡 𝗕𝗥𝗢𝗢𝗞𝗦 💥
— AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) January 8, 2025
Ethan Brooks opened his Usuthu goal-scoring account against Sekhukhune United two years ago.
We host Babina Noko at King Zwelithini Stadium tonight. Get your tickets now👉🏾 https://t.co/KbI97fMooB 📲#BetwayPrem #HebeUsuthu… pic.twitter.com/rcduuA4521
Usuthu will have to find goals without striker Junior Dion as he was loaned out for the rest of the season to Marumo Gallants, alongside versatile defender Yanga Mjoli.
Meanwhile, Babina Noko will also be eager to bounce back to winning after being held to a 1-1 draw by Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium last Sunday.
Coach Lehlohonolo Seema’s men have also been bolstered by the arrival of Katlego Otladisa, who was signed from Orlando Pirates on loan until the end of the season.