Hendrick Ekstein's contract saga with Kaizer Chiefs enters a fourth week, and there appears to be no end in sight.
It was on March 9 – just minutes before Amakhosi hosted Maritzburg United in an Absa Premiership fixture at FNB Stadium – that coach Ernst Middendorp, a self-confessed admirer of the diminutive midfielder, revealed that Ekstein had been distracted and had to decide "what he wants for his future."
Subsequent to that, the Siya crew then established that the 28-year-old had rejected a new two-year contract offer because it came with a minimal increase.
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He not only missed the Maritzburg game but was also left out of the travelling squad for the SuperSport United league clash a week later.
Amakhosi are back in action on Sunday following the 14-day international break and will host Cape Town City in the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.
All indications are that Ekstein will again play no part given he is yet to agree to a new deal, according to Siya sources, although the coach did bring up his name in relation to Chiefs' game plan against City. With Orlando Pirates rumoured to be keeping a close eye on developments around a player that usually divides opinion, Ekstein's contract negotiations could be protracted.
It is also understood that he also has an admirer in chairman Kaizer Motaung alongside coach Middendorp, which can only work in his favour.
Ekstein, however, has not really justified why he should be handed a bumper new contract with an improved salary – his numbers don't lie: 20 appearances in all competitions this season, a paltry two goals and one assist. A little embarrassing for a player who is expected to be an attacking threat.
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Should Chiefs try to hold on to Ekstein?
