Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp wants in-form midfielder Hendrick Ekstein to remain at the club, although his contract expires at the end of the season.

The 28-year-old has recently rediscovered his form, and got his name on the scoresheet to help Amakhosi advance to the Nedbank Cup semi-final following their 2-0 win over Cape Town City at the Mbombela Stadium last weekend.

The Glamour Boys will now take on Chippa United, who stunned Bidvest Wits in their quarter-final clash in the last eight of the tournament.

Middendorp heaped praise on Ekstein following his performance this campaign under his guidance, and would like to see the midfielder remain at the club, even though he is yet to sign a new contract with the Soweto giants.

‘I have said it several times, Pule is one of the best players I have worked with. I will say it again. There’s a bit of irritation at the moment [with the contract negotiations]. I told him ”I hope you stay. I hope you work with us”. He knows where I stand,’ Middendorp added.

‘I think that he should reflect a little bit, where has he been? He started playing in Madagascar late last year. Where was he?’

Amakhosi are currently placed seventh in the Absa Premiership standings with 36 points from 24 games played so far this season, and they are eight points off log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

Kaizer Chiefs will now turn their focus back to the Absa Premiership when they welcome Baroka to the FNB Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm.