Rushine De Reuck Leaves Mamelodi Sundowns After Four Years, Joins Simba SC in Tanzania
- Mamelodi Sundowns has reportedly parted ways with Rushine De Reuck after four seasons.
- The former Maritzburg United defender is set for a fresh start under a familiar face in East Africa
- His move comes after a challenging period that included a short stint abroad
Mamelodi Sundowns have offloaded their star defender, Rushine De Reuck, bringing an end to his four-year spell at Chloorkop. The 28-year-old is now set to begin a fresh chapter in East Africa, hoping to revive a career that once held so much promise.
De Reuck made the switch to Masandawana in 2021 from KwaZulu-Natal side Maritzburg United, where he had developed a strong reputation under the guidance of then-coach Fadlu Davids. Ironically, it’s Davids who will now welcome the defender to his new home in Tanzania, having taken over the reins at Simba SC, one of the region's most ambitious clubs.
Source: Getty Images
According to iDiski Times, De Reuck has put pen to paper on a one-year deal with Simba SC. The Tanzanian giants are determined to reinforce their defensive unit as they gear up for a demanding season that includes a push for domestic silverware as well as a run in the CAF Champions League.
Loan move to Israel unsuccessful
Earlier this year, in a bid to find regular football, De Reuck was loaned out to an Israeli outfit. The move was meant to reignite his confidence and allow him valuable minutes, but it failed to live up to expectations.
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Injuries plagued his stint abroad, and a lack of consistent playing time left him struggling to find form. At the same time, tactical changes at Sundowns and increasing competition in the defensive department further closed the door on a return to the starting lineup.
Upon his return to South Africa, it became clear that the writing was on the wall. With Sundowns continuing to evolve under a system that no longer seemed to fit his profile, De Reuck’s path forward looked increasingly distant from the club’s plans.
A new chapter in Tanzania
Now, with his career at a crossroads, the Cape Town-born defender has chosen to seek a new beginning in a familiar setup. Under Fadlu Davids, a coach who understands his strengths and once unlocked his potential, De Reuck will be hoping to rediscover the form that once made him one of the most sought-after centre-backs in South African football.
Source: Getty Images
How did the fans react to his move away from Sundowns?
News of De Reuck’s departure drew mixed reactions across social media, with many fans expressing disappointment, while others acknowledged that it was the right time for both parties to move on:
@Thabiso_Maswa:
"De Reuck is quality. I hope he gets regular minutes at Simba. We wasted him."
@Zama_Kay98:
"He was never the same after those injuries. A change of environment might help."
@Sbu_Skywalker:
"Sad to see him go, but Sundowns are stacked in defence. All the best, champ!"
@Buhle_BaAfrica:
"Reuniting with Fadlu Davids? Interesting... he might actually shine again!"
@CoachTmanZA:
"Why let him go for free though? That’s bad business from Sundowns."
@Jomo_Jnr:
"From Betway Prem to Israel to Tanzania... his career’s taken a strange turn."
@Lerato_LFC:
"Wish him nothing but success. He deserves better than sitting on the bench."
Stellenbosch star defender skips training
Briefly News previously reported that Stellenbosch FC’s star defender skipped training and was seen watching from the sidelines.
This comes amid ongoing links with Mamelodi Sundowns, with unconfirmed reports suggesting that a deal between the two clubs could be finalised soon.
Source: Briefly News
