“With Rushine De Reuck recently leading Simba SC out onto the pitch, coach Steve Barker has opened up about the tactical move to hand the former Bafana Bafana defender the armband over the club’s regular skipper.
Rushine De Reuck has hit the ground running at the Tanzanian giants, establishing himself as a mainstay in the starting XI since his high-profile move from Mamelodi Sundowns.
The 30-year-old, who spent last term on loan with Israel’s Maccabi Petah Tikva, has seamlessly transitioned into the fold, already notching three goals and two Man of the Match accolades this campaign.
In a significant show of respect, Simba SC coach Steve Barker revealed that club captain Shomari Kapombe voluntarily stepped aside to allow the South African defender to lead the side in recent fixtures.
WHY RUSHINE DE REUCK HAS BEEN CAPTAINING SIMBA SC LATELY
“It’s just an internal decision between Kapombe and Rushine,” said Barker during Simba SC’s media day on Thursday.
“Kapombe is still the captain of the team. But he wanted Rushine to be captain for a couple of games, but he remains the captain of the club.”
Barker’s troops currently sit third in the Tanzanian Premier League, trailing rivals Young Africans by eight points with a crucial game in hand. They look to close the gap on Wednesday, March 11, when they host Singida Black Stars.
STEVE BARKER HAPPY WITH THE PROGRESS AT THE TANZANIAN GIANTS
Barker says he is pleased with the response from the players since he took charge of the club.
“I am incredibly proud of how the squad has responded since my arrival,” he added. “As the coach, I made a promise to the management and the Simba fans to restore a team they can be proud of—one defined by commitment, energy, intensity, and a clear identity.
I told the players: ‘Play for the badge on the front of the shirt, and the fans will remember the name on the back.’ Their response has been outstanding; they are putting in the hard work every single day.”
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