Rusike lets his boots do the talking
TWO-goal hero Matthew Rusike did not seem to take pleasure in silencing his critics following Kaizer Chiefs ’ polished performance when they thrashed Polokwane City 4-1 to clinch their second Absa Premiership title in three years.
Rather it was coach Stuart Baxter who took on the detractors, voicing his displeasure at the fact that the player was a figure of criticism, and sometimes ridicule, among fans.
Until last night, Rusike had been goal-shy since his arrival at Chiefs. But his two well-taken strikes on Wednesday night would have finally sparked some debate regarding his contribution at the club.
Baxter said he had picked Rusike ahead of Katlego Mphela, David Zulu and Siphelele Mthembu because the Zimbabwean was more “mobile ” and the coach was duly rewarded.
Following his man-of-the-match performance on a night when he was booed before going on to score twice, Rusike revealed his coping mechanism to dealing with being a bit-part player at Chiefs, as well as the fans who are notoriously hard to please.
“It comes with playing for a club like Chiefs,” he said. “For me it is an amazing feeling to score in a championship-winning game because it has been such a long journey. I believe in myself and my ability, so I wasn ’ t surprised when the coach told me I would start. We are all switched on because we know we could be called on any time.”
On his love-hate relationship with the Chiefs supporters, even with his limited game time, Rusike said: “I don ’ t take much note of being criticised. What ’ s not done in my world doesn ’ t affect me. As long as there ’ s mutual respect among the players, then that is good enough for me.”
Rusike is now likely to lead the line alongside Bernard Parker in Amakhosi ’ s three remaining league matches. His contract with Chiefs expires in June, and the two goals, the only ones he ’ s managed all season, might go a long way in convincing the club to offer him a new deal.