Defying the Odds - The Story of Rushine De Reuck

DEFYING

THE ODDS

THE STORY OF RUSHINE DE REUCK

Author: Dumisani Koyana

Life can sometimes be unfair and unpredictable and no one can dictate where one will be born. More so, no one has absolute control over what manner of upbringing or neighbourhood one will experience at a tender age.

The game of football has witnessed several talented youngsters who grew up in poor, rural and challenging conditions and still became successful professional footballers across the world. Indeed, poverty can be a powerful motivator for young children. It is no surprise that several talented youngsters who grew up in the dusty streets and slums (kasi) have defied the odds that were stacked against them, and eventually became successful in the game they love so much.

One footballer who has been motivated by his tough beginning is Mamelodi Sundowns hard-tackling defender Rushine De Reuck. Hailing from the Cape Flats, an expansive, low-lying, flat area that is notoriously branded for crime, gangsterism and drugs, De Reuck is one of several high-profile South Africans who have emerged from those difficult surroundings by taking a different path; thanks to the round leather game. The likes of Benni McCarthy, Nasief Morris and Quinton Fortune are prime examples of footballers who overcame tough obstacles en route to achieving their dreams as professionals of the sport.

The Mamelodi Sundowns Digital Magazine Crew sat down with the Kalksteenfontein-born defender to find out how he navigated his way to the top despite his rough upbringings.

“Frankly, Kalksteenfontein was not an easy place to grow up in” Rushine said. “This is because the neighbourhood is plagued with crime, chaos, drugs and a high level of gangsterism,” he added. “With these prevalent ills, it’s difficult to find people who can mentor you on the right path.”

The 25-year-old defensive stalwart went on to explain what it meant for a young child to grow up in such an environment, “I am grateful to God for football because it brought several influential people into my life. I am very happy to say that I am where I am today because of football.”

De Reuck went ahead to discuss the various disappointments he faced every time he went on trials while growing up.

“My journey as a footballer was not as easy as many think because I was disappointed a few times. There were periods when I went on trial with friends and in some cases, they made it through and I did not; that made me feel discouraged,” said the Bafana Ba Style centre back. “During the early period of my career, I almost gave up because of the numerous failures I experienced. I am glad that I got the strength to carry on despite the disappointments,” De Reuck declared.

He continued to express how he felt when going to Ajax Cape Town (now called Cape Town Spurs F.C.) for trials and didn’t make it, “I felt downcast because it was every youngster’s dream in Cape Town to be part of that set-up. I struggled to make any breakthrough in soccer until I was 14 years of age. Thankfully, I got an opportunity with Ikapa Sporting, a Cape Town-based club” he recalled fondly. “That move launched my footballing career and I gained the belief that I could achieve great things in football.”

The highly influential defender finally got his breakthrough in 2014 after the Bayhill Premier Cup, which is one of the biggest U19 football tournaments in South Africa. During the competition, Tim Sukazi (current TS Galaxy Owner) who was a player representative at the time, spotted his talent and organized a trial for him in Europe.

“It was after my third season with Africa Soccer Development (ASD) Academy that Mr Tim Sukazi approached me and told me of a trial he had arranged with FC Porto in Portugal. At first, I thought he was joking because Porto is such a big European team,” Rushine eagerly remembered.

Due to the disappointments De Reuck suffered in the past, he didn’t want to get easily carried away, “I only felt the full excitement when I eventually trained with the under-19 set-up at Porto; but they ultimately delayed their decision and I ended up joining Paços de Ferreira.” The highly influential defender finally got his breakthrough in 2014 after the Bayhill Premier Cup, which is one of the biggest U19 football tournaments in South Africa. During the competition, Tim Sukazi (current TS Galaxy Owner) who was a player representative at the time, spotted his talent and organized a trial for him in Europe.

“It was after my third season with Africa Soccer Development (ASD) Academy that Mr Tim Sukazi approached me and told me of a trial he had arranged with FC Porto in Portugal. At first, I thought he was joking because Porto is such a big European team,” Rushine eagerly remembered.

Due to the disappointments De Reuck suffered in the past, he didn’t want to get easily carried away, “I only felt the full excitement when I eventually trained with the under-19 set-up at Porto; but they ultimately delayed their decision and I ended up joining Paços de Ferreira.”

Rushine’s friendship with Liverpool’s Diogo Jota

The game of football often connects people from different backgrounds, and in some cases, such connections can result in life-long friendships. In the case of Rushine, that connection was established with Portugal and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota. Their friendship began when they were roommates during their playing days at Paços and soon developed a bromance. Although both players ply their trade in different parts of the world, they have remained buddies.

While Rushine reflected on his friendship with the Liverpool star, he went on to say, “When we were teammates, he had a first-team contract and I was not surprised because he was very good. Whenever we played with him on our side, we were confident of gaining victory because of his keen eye for scoring goals. I am so happy to see what he has achieved today and that is due to hard work. He was always the first one at training and the last one to leave the premises. To date, we still chat almost daily about life and our football journies.” Most recently, Rushine received a signed Liverpool No.20 shirt from his Reds pal. “The jersey he gave me a few months ago will remain one of my most prized collections,” De Reuck stated with a smile.

De Reuck outside the field

Rushine has become one of the hottest properties in South African football due to his defensive performances for Mamelodi Sundowns and the National Team. His composure and calmness on the ball have seen him become a vital cog in the Bafana Ba Style defence since he joined the club in January 2021. His versatility has also been lauded as he can play as a center-back, as a right-back or as a defensive midfielder.

Despite his no-nonsense defensive capability on the pitch, the two-time Hyundai player of the month describes himself as a ‘fun-loving chap’ who enjoys himself outside the football field.

The defender was eager to share with us some of his faves aside from watching football, of course.

Favourite Food: “Well, it’s got to be Butter Chicken. I love it so much and I rate it 10/10. I would love to share my recipe with the Yellow Nation someday.”

Biggest Fear: “My Biggest fear is to be average.”

Dream Holiday Destination: “I love Portugal. That place is so beautiful. I’ve been there for work, but now I want to go there and relax.”

Current TV Show or Movies: “I am a TV Series type of guy and ‘Squid Games’ has been the stand out show for me.”

What gets Rushine angry: “People think I am easily irritated but that is not the case, I am very chilled and hardly get angry. The only time I get upset is when we concede a goal.”

A perfect evening for Rushine: “What can I say, candlelit dinner with my partner at a restaurant. Nothing beats that.”

Who would play Rushine in your biographical film? “I would say, Keanu Reeves. The guy is a top level actor. I trust he would portray ‘me’ perfectly. I don't know about his soccer skills though, Hahaha.”

Favourite Childhood Hero: “It has to be former Chelsea captain John Terry. He has inspired me through the years with his quality displays for his club and national team.”

PlayStation or Xbox: “Play Station, and smashing opponents on FIFA.”

The best advice ever received: “’Do the best that you can’. I received these wise words from Nazeer Allie who currently plays at Maritzburg United.”

Rushine De Reuck who plays a pivotal part for Bafana Bafana will be aiming to build on his stellar season as Mamelodi Sundowns continue to accumulate impressive defensive numbers and register incredible clean sheet records with his teammates.

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