Hendrick Ekstein backs Arthur Zwane’s youth-driven approach at AmaZulu

Arthur Zwane and AmaZulu’s approach of building the team around youngsters appears to be a match made in heaven. That is why Hendrick Ekstein says the senior players are determined to help carry out the club’s vision.

Zwane has enjoyed an impressive run this season, guiding the team to fourth place in the Betway Premiership and into the Nedbank Cup last 16 so far, after beginning the campaign as sole head coach.

The 52-year-old’s progress stems from a shift in approach during pre-season. The club released ageing and underperforming veterans while integrating a number of youngsters into the squad, mapping out the club’s future.

As a result, players such as Nkosikhona Radebe, Liam Bern, Langelihle Mhlongo, and Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya have been central to the team’s exploits this season.

Working with young players is a familiar concept for “10111”, as providing that space and platform laid the foundation of his coaching career at his former club.

“As we all know, coach Arthur has been working with youngsters since his development days at Kaizer Chiefs, so it hasn’t been difficult for him,” Ekstein said of Zwane’s efforts.

“Having us play an elder-brother role to some of the youngsters makes it easier for him. Like I said, those players are willing to learn and grow, so that makes it easy for us.”

While Zwane has been praised for the team’s success, senior players such as Ekstein, Bongani Zungu, and Riaan Hanamub have also played a key role in moulding the youngsters – something Ekstein says has been a pleasure to be part of.

“It’s a nice role, I won’t lie,” Ekstein said. “We have disciplined youngsters who are willing to learn and grow.

“As senior players –and not just me – we are playing a huge role in helping coach Arthur and his assistants. Our job includes guiding the youngsters and showing them the way.”

Ekstein is not only enjoying being an elder brother at Usuthu, but also life in KwaZulu-Natal after spending five seasons at the club, following earlier spells in Gauteng with Chiefs and in Azerbaijan.

“It’s nice there,” he said. “I have been there for five seasons – that’s five years. I am enjoying KZN, and it’s fun.”

If the team’s impressive run continues in the coming months, Usuthu could finally end the club’s 34-year trophy drought by winning the league, the Nedbank Cup, or even both.

Such an achievement would mark a major milestone for the club and its ambitious president, Sandile Zungu, who has openly stated his desire for silverware and consistent top-four finishes.

“We haven’t spoken about it, but like the president has said, he wants silverware,” Ekstein said. “We want to do that not only for him, but for our supporters and ourselves as well.”

Standing in the way of Usuthu reaching the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals are neighbours Richards Bay, with the fixture set to take place on the weekend of February 21–22.

Having faced fellow top-flight side Polokwane City in the last 32, Ekstein explained why he preferred a familiar opponent in the last 16 rather than a lower-division team – even though such a draw might have made them favourites.

“I enjoy such fixtures because we normally do debriefs and analysis,” Ekstein said. “When we play lower-division teams, it’s not easy because we can’t always get their clips. Playing familiar teams means we have their footage, which makes things better because we’re able to analyse them.”