While defender Rushine De Reuck has been conspicuous by his absence at Maccabi Petah Tikva FC, the reason for his absenteeism has been revealed.
The highly-rated defender has been on loan in the Israeli Premier League from Mamelodi Sundowns since January. For him, the move was aimed at getting more game time, having struggled to get consistent time at Masandawana.
The Cape Town-born star moved to Sundowns in January 2021 after an impressive four seasons at Maritzburg United [now Durban City FC].
He subsequently rose to become a reliable pillar at the club as he also won a place in the Bafana Bafana set-up. With the national team, De Reuck earned 17 appearances.
But injuries stalled his progress in the Betway Premiership, while his teammates thrived during his lay-off at Chloorkop.
WHY DEFENDER RUSHINE DE REUCK HAS BEEN MISSING AN ACTION
However, it has emerged that the steady defender is back in the country. Agent, Paul Mitchell confirmed to FARPost that De Reuck returned early “to undergo surgery in South Africa and is recovering well.”
For Maccabi Petah Tikva FC, he made only four appearances in the Israeli Premier League. De Reuck previously played for FC Parcos in Portugal during his teenage years, before returning to South Africa.
It remains to be seen if his time in Israel will be extended, considering the little game time he enjoyed before returning home for treatment.
According to the reports, his loan deal with Petah Tikva includes a purchase option. Both parties, Sundowns and Petah Tikva, will review the terms at the end of the season.
De Rueck is one of the Sundowns players who were loaned outside the country. Forward Thembinkosi Lorch is enjoying his loan stay in Morocco, having established himself as a regular at Wydad AC.
Lorch found the going tough at Sundowns after Rulani Mokwena was sacked. As such, he followed Mokwena to Wydad AC. He is set to take part in the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
RELATED STORY: Sundowns’ Rushine De Reuck loaned to Maccabi Petah Tikva