Simba SC young defender Vedastus Masinde has credited experienced South African centre-back Rushine De Reuck for playing a major role in his development within the team.
Masinde, who is in his first season in the Tanzanian Premier League after joining from TMA FC in Arusha, says training alongside experienced players has helped him better understand the demands of top-level football.
He explained that Rushine has been a key role model both on and off the pitch, particularly because of his professionalism and discipline during training sessions.
According to Masinde, even in regular training, Rushine creates a highly competitive environment that pushes attackers to work at maximum intensity, as if they are in an official match.
“Although I learn from different players at Simba, Rushine, with whom I play in the same position, gives the attackers a tough challenge during training as if we are playing against an opponent team. Despite his big name, he works very hard as if he is fighting for a starting position, and that motivates me to push myself without giving up,” Masinde said, adding:
“Another thing about Rushine is his discipline when it comes to time—whether going to training, eating, or resting. He is not a player who is careless with time, and he keeps reminding me to respect time if I want to go far in football,” he added.
Masinde further noted that Rushine frequently reminds him about the importance of maintaining professional standards and continuing to work hard to achieve his long-term goals.
This season, Masinde has started in matches against Tanzania Prisons, Dodoma Jiji, and Mashujaa, while he has also been on the bench in games where Rushine De Reuck started, including matches against Coastal Union and TRA United. Head coach Steve Barker has praised his performances, noting his composure and maturity.
Beyond club football, Masinde is also a former Tanzania U17 national team player (Serengeti Boys), having featured in the U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Tanzania lost 4-2 on penalties to Senegal in the quarterfinals.
This international experience, combined with his ongoing development at Simba, places Masinde among the promising young defenders to watch in Tanzanian football.
