AmaZulu have recalled Hendrick Ekstein and Thabo Qalinge back to train with the senior team.
Both players were informed by the management to train with the DStv Diski Challenge team after both refused to see their contracts terminated at the end of last season.
With them not forming part of Usuthu’s plans this season, AmaZulu management had initially informed them to train with the reserve side until the end 2022/23.
But new coach Romain Folz has recalled them to train with the rest of the side. Both players, even though they were not part of the reckoning, were there on time to train with the reserve team and never once any day showed any slack or attitude, according to a source.
This publication understands, it was AmaZulu assistant coach Ayanda Dlamini, who told coach Folz that before they can look elsewhere for new players in this coming window, they still have two senior players – Qalinge and Ekstein who are contracted to the club.
Then the decision was taken to bring them back and they have been training with the team for some time and iDiski Times was able to spot them leaving the training with the rest of the players as they prepare for the resumption of the second half of the season.
Both players will see their contracts expire with Usuthu at the end of the season and it will be up to them to show the coach whether he can rely on them this season to be given new deals.
Ekstein joined Usuthu at the beginning of last season from Sabail in Azerbaijan, when coach Benni McCarthy was in charge. The former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder featured in just 13 matches in all competitions without scoring a goal.
Qalinge, who played for Orlando Pirates, joined Usuthu in the second half of the 2020/21 season after he was let go by SuperSport.
He was an instant hit, scoring the winner in the last minute against Stellenbosch FC away in April last year to send coach McCarthy and his team in a state of hysteria.
Last season he featured in 20 matches in all competitions, with his last appearance coming against Baroka FC in April last year.
Story by Robin-Duke Madlala (@duke_robin).
