Local defender talks about his triumph with the national team
Unlike many of his teammates that got to enjoy the off-season break, the decorated defender spent much of his break on national duty and winning the trophy is the cherry on top for all his sacrifices.
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Rushine De Reuck returned to his club a champion after helping Bafana Bafana to Cosafa Cup triumph over the weekend.
He along with teammates Sphelele Mkhulise and Lebohang Maboe were part of a successful campaign with the South African Senior National team that claimed the fifth cup title of the annual Southern African tournament held in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.
“I am very happy that we managed to win the trophy, us as players had a big responsibility to do well for the country because we are not in a good state, [I am] happy that we managed to win and make the fans proud,” De Reuck said on the Sundowns website.
“It’s a great feeling, it starts obviously at Sundowns, that winning mentality, and I felt like we took that to the national team, it is just nice winning trophies, as a player that’s what you want, you want to be a part of that team and you want to leave a legacy.”
De Reuck, who was appointed vice-captain of the national team, said that winning the tournament was important not only for the players but for the nation.
“We know how many people are watching Bafana and watching our games, we knew that we needed to perform well to make our fans proud and to make the people of South Africa proud. I feel like we’ve done that by winning the trophy, ” he said.
The 25-year-old defender took up a leadership role in the senior national team keeping an outstanding record of clean sheets, contributing to the team not conceding a goal throughout the tournament.
“I am embracing the new role of being vice-captain, I felt like I’ve done quite well because I needed to step up, be a leader and try to lead from the back [and] I felt I’ve done that. We’ve kept six clean sheets; I am very happy about that.”
Unlike many of his teammates that got to enjoy the off-season break, the decorated defender spent much of his break on national duty and winning the trophy is the cherry on top for all his sacrifices.
“It wasn’t easy, after we won the league, I went straight into camp with Bafana. I spent a few days at home and then back into camp again to play in the Cosafa Cup. It wasn’t easy but as footballers, you want to be part of it, be part of that environment and be part of the national team as well, so we can’t complain,” De Reuck said.
“I am tired, I am not going to lie but it was worth the while for me because we won the trophy.”
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
