Rushine De Reuck reacts to new Simba deal and captaincy

Rushine De Reuck says he is embracing the “different responsibility” of leading Tanzanian giants Simba SC after officially committing his future to the club with a new contract extension.

Rushine De Reuck amesaini mkataba mpya wa mwaka mmoja wa kuendelea kusalia Simba SC.

Kusoma taarifa zaidi ingia Simba App. #NguvuMoja pic.twitter.com/7BaFwJ0t27

— Simba Sports Club (@SimbaSCTanzania) March 8, 2026

The former Bafana Bafana international has been a revelation in Dar es Salaam since joining the Msimbazi Kings at the start of the season. Following a successful stint in Israel with Maccabi Petah Tikva, the former Mamelodi Sundowns defender has seamlessly transitioned into the heart of the Simba defence, netting three goals and picking up several Man of the Match awards along the way.

‘I KNEW I HAD TO LEAD’: Rushine De Reuck

Reflecting on his rapid rise to the captaincy—following Shomari Kapombe’s decision to step aside—the 30-year-old admitted that while the armband wasn’t an initial expectation, he felt destined for a leadership role.

“It’s a good feeling, obviously. Coming here, I didn’t have any expectations of becoming a team captain,” De Reuck told the media. “I know that, considering my age, I am a little bit older than most of the players here. So I knew that I was going to take a leadership role. I am willing to do that gladly.”

The former Maritzburg United star credited head coach Fadlu Davids for preparing him for the demands of the Tanzanian league.

“Coach Fadlu brought me here, and he made me aware of that [leadership role]. I was ready for it. Now that I am captain, obviously, it’s a different responsibility. But it’s such a privilege for me to come to a team like Simba and captain them.”

SIMBA LOCKDOWN DEFENSIVE PILLAR

The club announced on Sunday that the classy centre-back has signed a one-year contract extension. In a short statement, the club expressed their delight in retaining the South African’s services as they look to dominate both domestically and on the continent.

“Rushine De Reuck has signed a new one-year contract to continue at Simba SC,” the club announced via their social media platforms.

Despite the prestige of the armband, De Reuck remained humble about his new status in the dressing room. “It’s not only me; there are a lot of captains in the team. You don’t need to have an armband to feel like a captain,” he added.

On signing the new contract, he said: I’m very happy, and from the first moment I arrived at Simba I felt a real connection with the fans, the way they welcomed me and just the appreciation, so I’m very happy that I can continue my stay here.”