Tinkler not fazed by attention on De Reuck
RUSHINE de Reuck has been a shining light for Maritzburg United this season, so it wouldn’t come as a surprise if big teams in Gauteng start scrambling for his services.
It wouldn’t be something new for to the Team of Choice as they have lost several players to Gauteng clubs over the years with the likes of Lebogang Maboe, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Fortune Makaringe, Cuthbert Malajila, Philani Zulu, Ryan Moon, Evans Rusike and Rheece Evans all moving on. They all attracted interest from big clubs after showing glimpses of potential while at Maritzburg.
De Reuck has featured in all 17 PSL matches for Maritzburg this season. The Cape Town-born defender also made four appearances in the Telkom Knockout where Maritzburg finished runners-up to Mamelodi Sundowns last month.
Maritzburg coach Eric Tinkler is not fazed that his star defender may be wanted by top clubs in Gauteng.
“They can sniff all they want. He has got a four-year contract,” Tinkler said.
The 24-year-old is an early contender for the PSL Defender of the Season award alongside the likes of Eric Mathoho (Kaizer Chiefs), Thulani Hlatshwayo (Wits), Mosa Lebusa (Mamelodi Sundowns) and Daniel Cardoso (Chiefs). Two seasons ago, Maritzburg’s Siyanda Xulu pipped his partner at the time Bevan Fransman to be crowned the best defender in South Africa and De Reuck will be looking to emulate Xulu.
“We know his qualities. We’ve been happy with his performances, but I think it is a bit too early to start talking about the national team. I think he still needs to grow a little bit. He still needs to be pushed a little in certain areas of his game. Is he knocking on the door there, I definitely think he is. He is the future because he is only 24,” Tinkler said.
De Reuck is expected to play a pivotal role for Maritzburg when they lock horns with AmaZulu in the KwaZulu-Natal derby on Friday at Harry Gwala Stadium. He will be coming up against the red-hot Bongi Ntuli. The Usuthu talisman has been menacing to opposition teams this season. Ntuli is level on 10 goals with Orlando Pirates marksman Gabadinho Mhango.
De Reuck will be tasked with the responsibility of marshalling the aggressive and ruthless Ntuli. It will be a key battle on Friday. Last year (in the first round) the two teams shared the spoils in a goalless stalemate at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi.