Mamelodi Sundowns’ major squad shake-up is showing no signs of slowing down. More big-name exits are expected as preparations for the 2025/26 campaign ramp up. Among those with an uncertain future is defender Rushine de Reuck. He returned to Chloorkop following a short-term loan spell in Israel.
De Reuck spent the latter half of last season on loan at Maccabi Petach Tikva, where he reportedly impressed. However, despite his solid displays abroad, sources close to the club suggest that the 29-year-old is not part of incoming coach Miguel Cardoso’s plans. This excludes him from future strategies.
One Foot Out the Door?
The former Maritzburg United centre-back joined Sundowns in 2021 on a five-year contract. This means he has one more season left on his current deal. But game time has been limited in recent campaigns. De Reuck struggled for minutes before his loan move in January. This lack of consistent involvement has cast doubt over his role at the club.
The club insiders indicate that De Reuck could be among the next to leave. He may join a long list of senior players already offloaded by the Betway Premiership champions.
Competition Heating Up in Defence
De Reuck’s exit would not come as a shock, given the rising competition in Sundowns’ defensive unit. Keanu Cupido, who made a strong impression at the FIFA Club World Cup, is tipped to play a more prominent role in the new season. With the club appearing well-stocked at centre-back, De Reuck’s route back into the starting line-up looks increasingly unlikely.
This, coupled with Cardoso’s vision for the squad, has pushed De Reuck further down the pecking order. This makes a permanent departure highly probable.
Mamelodi Sundowns Exodus Grows
Should De Reuck be released or transferred, he’ll become part of a rapidly growing list of departures at Chloorkop. The club has already parted ways with experienced duo Lebohang Maboe and Rivaldo Coetzee. Others shown the door include Lucas Suárez, Sipho Mbule, Sifiso Ngobeni, Thabang Sibanyoni, and goalkeeper Sanele Tshabalala.
This mass exodus signals a clear intent from Sundowns. They aim to refresh and rebuild their squad under new leadership. Younger and more dynamic options are seemingly preferred.
Where To Next for Rushine de Reuck?
At 29, De Reuck still has several strong years ahead of him and remains a reliable option for many clubs locally and abroad. His impressive stint in Israel may open doors for another overseas move. Meanwhile, a return to a PSL side seeking experienced defensive reinforcement is also a viable path.
Clubs in the country looking to bolster their backlines may view De Reuck’s availability as a valuable opportunity, especially given his previous consistency at the domestic and international level.
Eyes on a Fresh Start
For now, De Reuck awaits clarity on his next chapter. As Sundowns moves in a new direction, the defender may well be seeking a fresh start of his own. Whether that comes in the form of another loan, a transfer abroad, or a PSL switch, one thing is clear—De Reuck’s journey is far from over.
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