Simba SC’s South African international centre-back, Rushine De Reuck, has opened up about his football journey, the fears he had before moving to Tanzania, and the reasons behind his departure from South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Fatema Dewji on the Micro Moments of Self-Love programme, De Reuck revealed that his decision to move to Tanzania was not an easy one due to the psychological challenges he was going through at the time.
Fear and Self-Doubt
The defender admitted that being left without regular playing time in South Africa had affected his confidence, leaving him nervous when he got the opportunity to join Simba.
“I came here with a lot of fear. I had been out of the game for a long time without playing in South Africa, and I even started questioning whether I still had what it takes to play competitive football,” said De Reuck.
He added that the only person he knew before arriving in Tanzania was Simba head coach Fadlu Davids. He explained that the faith the coach has shown in him has played a major role in helping him regain his happiness and love for the game.
Why He Left Mamelodi Sundowns
Speaking about his former club, Mamelodi Sundowns, De Reuck explained that the large number of players at the club contributed to his lack of playing opportunities, forcing him to make the difficult decision to leave in order to revive his career.
“Sundowns is a big club, but having a squad of more than 40 players made the competition extremely intense and reduced the chances of playing regularly. I needed to go somewhere where I could play and show my ability, and that is why I chose Simba,” he explained.
Love from Simba Fans
Despite his initial fears, De Reuck said he has been surprised by the warm reception and genuine affection he has received from Simba supporters since the day he first arrived in Tanzania.
“I have never experienced this kind of love in football before, like the love I have received from Simba fans here in Tanzania. They have made me feel at home and have helped me greatly to forget what happened in the past,” the emotional defender said.
Beyond football, De Reuck also spoke about his childhood, explaining that he grew up in difficult and dangerous circumstances in South Africa, challenges that helped shape him into the resilient person he is today.
He has now become an important figure in the Simba SC defence, producing consistent performances that continue to endear him to the Wekundu wa Msimbazi supporters.
