Snl24 | De Reuck makes decision on his future

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – SEPTEMBER 10: Rushine De Reuck of Mamelodi Sundowns during the DStv Premiership match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows at ABSA Tuks Stadium on September 10, 2022 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images),ý;

Following reports that Mamelodi Sundowns defender Rushine De Reuck was eyeing a move away from the club, Kickoff has the latest regarding the Bafana Bafana defender’s future.

De Reuck had a bad start to the 2023/24 season after a freak injury during Sundowns’ pre-season in the Netherlands, in which he twisted his knee and after consultations, he needed surgery.

That meant the 28-year-old defender missed the start of the season, as he had to undergo rehabilitation but made a speedy recovery, after returning to competitive action in November 2023.

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However, the former Maritzburg United defender found it difficult to break into the Sundowns squad after that despite the Tshwane giants featuring in multiple tournaments.

After forming the core of the Bafana Bafana team under Hugo Broos prior to his injury, De Reuck also lost his place in the South Africa squad that did duty in the January Africa Cup of Nations.

Following the AFCON break, the cool, calm and collected defender continued to seemingly be overlooked for a place in the 18-man squad, after finishing the season with only five appearances in all competitions.

Despite De Reuck reportedly signing a new contract extension in June last year, there were rumours that the 28-year-old was unsettled at Sundowns and was looking for a way out, in order to find game time elsewhere.

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However, word reaching KickOff is that the Bafana Bafana defender will stay at the Chloorkop-based side, after all.

This website has been reliably informed that the change of heart from De Reuck came following news that Rulani Mokwena has been relieved of his duties as the head coach of Sundowns.

The former Maritzburg defender was not in the plans of Mokwena and the 37-year-old coach’s departure from The Brazilians has offered him a clean-slate ahead of the new campaign, according to a reliable source close to the player.