Ex-Sundowns defender Rushine De Reuck on thriving in Tanzania

The 30-year-old joined the East African giants at the start of the season following discussions with coach Fadlu Davids, who has since returned to Morocco for another stint with Raja Club Athletic.

Speaking on Metro FM’s Sports Night Amplified with Andile, De Reuck admitted stepping into unfamiliar territory helped revive his career.

"In the beginning of the season, you know, I was negotiating with Sundowns to posssibly leave the team. There were options in South Africa, but during that time it was difficult for me because, I didn't know where I want to be," said de Reuck

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"But when coach Fadlu came to speak to me. I just knew that this is going to be a good chance for me to play again and gain my confidence and then hopefully get back into the national team."

Sundowns did initially loan out De Reuck to Maccabi Petah Tikva in Israel midway through last season but the player says his time there was a mixed bag. 

 Although The Brazilians were keen on him sticking around – as a squad player – De Reuck believes he wanted a bigger role.

De Reuck admits to turning down advances from PSL teams before moving to Tanzania, explaining his ambitions and being back on the Bafana radar.

"Look I still wanted to play in the Champions League and Simba gave me that opportunity. And working with coach Fadlu, he was someone who gave me my first professional contract at Maritzburg United. So I've got a good relationship with him and I knew that he would get the best out of me if I worked under him."

"It was an opportunity I didn't want to miss, so it is one of the main reasons. I think this has probably been one of my best seasons in numbers. I started 35 games in all competitions, scored three goals, and earned man of the match awards; I won a trophy. Coach Hugo is always saying that he would like South Africans to play in Europe, you know?"

"Tanzania is not one of the top leagues in Europe, which makes it a bit difficult, but what helps me, I think, is that I've played under him before and he knows my quality.

So it's just important for me to continue to do my best. I can't force my hand for him to select me. But if it is that he watches my performances and he likes them, I will be happy."