Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Hendrick Ekstein has joined Azerbaijan outfit Sabah FC on a free transfer.

Ekstein was recently linked with several PSL clubs including Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City after he was released by the Glamour Boys.

However, the 28-year-old has since put pen to paper on a two-year contract after the midfiser left South Africa for Azerbaijan on Wednesday to complete his move to Sabah.

The Bekkrsdal-born midfielder has now become the second South African to ply his trade in Azerbaijan after striker Dino Ndlovu, who played for Qarabag from 2016 to 2017.

Speaking on his move abroad, Ekstein said: ‘I’m happy that I’ve found my new home, even though it won’t be the same like it was in South Africa, but I’m happy that I came this side.’

‘I’m here to learn and know how things work on this side. It’s a dream for each and every player to come to Europe, because as a young boy you dream of playing overseas.

‘So, because I’m here now, I’m happy and I’m not here just to add numbers but I’m here to work hard.

He added: ‘I hope to do more for the team, and let’s hope that I’m not going to come back [home] early. But, knowing myself, I will work hard – more than I did at Kaizer Chiefs.

‘But, ja. It’s one of those things where you have to stand your ground and work hard.

‘Eish, I’m not sure yet but I’ve heard some of them [teammates] speaking English, so I’m going to speak English to them. I will try and learn the local language, because I can’t only speak English. They’ll have to teach me how to speak their language,’ Ekstein concluded.