Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Hendrik Ekstein is well aware he has to repay the supporters' faith in him.
The Amakhosi faithful have had little joy so far this season, with the team only winning their first game on Wednesday against Highlands Park, but the midfielder appears to be establishing himself as a crowd favourite judging by their reaction whenever he is in possession.
Ekstein, 25, has started three of Chiefs' four matches this season and scored an equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Platinum Stars.
"The reaction from the fans makes me very happy because it shows they love me. I have to deliver and not disappoint them.
"To be honest, I haven't done anything yet and I have to work extra hard. I have to create chances and score. I think that I can do it this season and I'm working on that. I have to listen to what the coach says and I know he believes in me.
"He always tells me that he believes in me and that I must go in there to do my job and don't be scared," continued Ekstein, who made 10 league appearances last season with eight from the bench.
At his age, the Bekkersdal, West Rand-born player admitted he should be an established professional but felt he's now in a good position to make up for lost time. "There were no scouts where I come from because I'm the only player who has turned professional from ekasi lam (my township). It wasn't easy for me to get here, but I want to thank the team for organising a friendly with the team from the mines (LMP Stars) that I was playing for.
"Age doesn't say anything because even a player like Yeye (Reneilwe Letsholonyane) got here when he was 24. So I have to work hard. Every chance I get, I must use it. I want to contribute in the team and when I retire, I look back and say I did something to make the team win (trophies)."
Ekstein promises to pull up socks
Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Hendrik Ekstein is well aware he has to repay the supporters' faith in him.
The Amakhosi faithful have had little joy so far this season, with the team only winning their first game on Wednesday against Highlands Park, but the midfielder appears to be establishing himself as a crowd favourite judging by their reaction whenever he is in possession.
Ekstein, 25, has started three of Chiefs' four matches this season and scored an equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Platinum Stars.
"The reaction from the fans makes me very happy because it shows they love me. I have to deliver and not disappoint them.
"To be honest, I haven't done anything yet and I have to work extra hard. I have to create chances and score. I think that I can do it this season and I'm working on that. I have to listen to what the coach says and I know he believes in me.
"He always tells me that he believes in me and that I must go in there to do my job and don't be scared," continued Ekstein, who made 10 league appearances last season with eight from the bench.
At his age, the Bekkersdal, West Rand-born player admitted he should be an established professional but felt he's now in a good position to make up for lost time. "There were no scouts where I come from because I'm the only player who has turned professional from ekasi lam (my township). It wasn't easy for me to get here, but I want to thank the team for organising a friendly with the team from the mines (LMP Stars) that I was playing for.
"Age doesn't say anything because even a player like Yeye (Reneilwe Letsholonyane) got here when he was 24. So I have to work hard. Every chance I get, I must use it. I want to contribute in the team and when I retire, I look back and say I did something to make the team win (trophies)."
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