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Cape Town - There seems to be no love lost between Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Pule Ekstein and coach Steve Komphela as the two had an awkward exchange regarding the player's recent lack of game time.
Ahead of Saturday's Nedbank Cup quarter-final clash with Baroka FC at the Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth, Ekstein told the media that Amakhosi will go the extra mile to bring the glory days back to Naturena.
The midfielder is positive that victory over Baroka on Saturday will put them a step closer to winning their first trophy under the mentorship of Steve Komphela.
Ekstein told a press conference: "It has been two seasons without winning any silverware. We don’t want to be remembered as players that didn’t bring any trophies to the club.
"I have watched Baroka recently and they continue to play well.
"They have some good players and they play good football. It promises to be a difficult match, but I trust that we will win."
Things took an awkward turn when Ekstein was asked about his lack of game-time, with the attacking midfielder referring the question to Komphela to explain.
"I think that one is not for me [to answer], I think the coach is going to answer that one," Ekstein said.
A startled Komphela replied: "I used to think this guy can pass the ball, can dribble, but he’s just shown me a masterpiece. This pass is one that I cannot control… a hospital pass?" before deflecting the question back to the player.
Ekstein though refused to budge, "I’m not a coach, by the way. I’m a player, so that’s why I’m giving it to you [Komphela] to answer the question," he said sternly.
Komphela finally relented and highlighted the strengths of new signing, Siphelele Ntshangase who has been preferred to Ekstein while encouraging others to grab their opportunities.
