Mamelodi Sundowns star Rushine De Reuck has officially joined Tanzanian giants Simba SC after parting ways with Masadawana, in a move that reunites him with former coach Fadlu Davids. The 29-year-old centre-back has signed a one-year deal and is set to arrive in Dar es Salaam on Sunday to begin pre-season training.
Simba SC wasted no time bolstering their backline, with De Reuck coming in as a direct replacement for Cameroonian defender Che Malone Fondoh, who recently signed with Algerian outfit USM Alger. The club has also released captain Mohammed ‘Shabalala’ Hussein following the expiration of his contract. He is tipped to join fierce rivals Yanga SC.
Centre-backs Hussein Kazi and Kelvin Kijiri have also exited. Signalling a defensive overhaul under Davids, who prepares for his second season in charge.
Reunion sparks new chapter for Sundowns star
De Reuck reunites with Fadlu Davids, with whom he previously worked at Maritzburg United. The South African international left Sundowns after both parties agreed to a mutual termination, enabling him to join Simba SC as a free agent.
Speaking to insiders, club officials believe the move is a major upgrade. “Davids is well aware of his ball skills and will undoubtedly be an upgrade over Che Malone,” a source revealed. The coach values De Reuck’s technical quality and experience. Especially for Simba’s upcoming CAF Champions League campaign.
Simba sets sights on CAF glory
Last season, Simba SC reached the CAF Confederation Cup final and finished second in the Tanzanian Premier League. Behind arch-rivals Yanga. With their eyes now set on ending Yanga’s four-year dominance. The signing of De Reuck marks a strategic step toward that goal.
De Reuck’s move offers him a fresh start after a challenging stint at Sundowns. He spent the second half of the previous season on loan at Maccabi Petah Tikva in Israel. Where he featured in four matches between February and March after requesting more playing time.
Will the Mamelodi Sundowns defender thrive in Tanzania?
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