Bafana defender set to complete loan move to Israeli Premier League

Rushine de Reuck, seen here in action during a 2022 World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe, is set to complete a loan move from Mamelodi Sundowns to the Israeli Premier League. Photo: Phill Magakoe/AFP

Rushine de Reuck, seen here in action during a 2022 World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe, is set to complete a loan move from Mamelodi Sundowns to the Israeli Premier League. Photo: Phill Magakoe/AFP

Published Jan 25, 2025

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Mamelodi Sundowns' Rushine de Reuck is set to complete a loan move to Israeli Premier League club Maccabi Petah Tikva.

The move represents a fall from grace for De Reuck, who was at one time a regular in Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana squad.

The Cape Town-born 29-year-old moved to Sundowns after an impressive four seasons in the colours of Maritzburg United. He then made a good start to life at Sundowns, becoming one of the top central defenders in the country.

However, the last couple of years have been a nightmare for the man from Kalksteenfontein. He spent a lengthy amount of time on the sidelines due to injury, and when he returned to full fitness last season, he couldn’t force his way back into the first team as the club challenged on all fronts.

He featured just five times during the 2023/24 season, and in this campaign, his minutes on the pitch have dwindled even more, with the club preferring Grant Kekana, Mothobi Mvala, Mosa Lebusa and youngster Malobongwe Khoza in the heart of defence.

His lack of game time for Sundowns has meant he’s slid down the pecking order for Bafana Bafana, and hasn’t been close to getting a recall.

Earlier this week, it was reported that De Reuck would be making a loan move to Sekhukhune United. However, that move fell through, and the defender is now on his way to the Middle East to complete the loan move to Maccabi Petah Tikva, who are 11th in the Israeli Premier League.

IOL Sport