He used to boss the midfield alongside his partner, Doctor Khumalo, in their prime. Watching him was Like watching Beethoven, conducting an orchestra.
He was little, with a low sense of gravity. Blessed with vision and an eye to read the game like a professor. Whenever Khuse got a touch on the ball, the whole stadium would shout "Aceeeeeee" in anticipation of a great pass.
It would be Arthur Zwane and Ace Khuse himself who would recruit a dazzling player, while playing for a mining team. Though the young man was already in his 20s, it seemed late to recruit him for the development team. You could hardly notice that he is a late bloomer, Hendrick ‘Pule’ Ekstein is blessed with as much skill and zeal on the ball as anyone from the school of excellence. Always running around looking for the ball in the classic Chiefs' playmaker’s style. His ability to get past an opponent is dazzling. The boy is a gem fitting to be discovered in mines.
Already a favourite with the Khosination when "the little maestro" gets on the ball, whistles can be heard. His vision and ability to spot a run are second to none. He has a knack for scoring goals by late runs to get in the box via one twos.
Pule Ekstein is set to be the engine for Chiefs, alongside, Twala, Lebese, Parker and Macha. Defences better be aware, but it could also be another Chiefs development product, Emmanuel Letlotlo, who will come off the bench to form a deadly combo with Ekstein, as seen during their MDC and development days.
Another encouraging plus is that the young man is not an age cheat. Perhaps SA football is heading in the right direction. Take note, the new "Ace" has arrived!
Do you think Ekstein can be the new Ace Khuse?
*This article was written by a Soccer Laduma reader and reflects their opinion, not that of Soccer Laduma.
