EXCL: EX-SUNDOWNS TRIO REUNITES IN TANZANIA
TANZANIA: Former Mamelodi Sundowns players Rushine De Reuck and Neo Maema have reunited with physical trainer Riedoh Berdien at Simba SC.
The two Bafana Bafana players have recently joined the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup finalists who are coached by a South African mentor, Fadlu Davids.
De Reuck failed to command a regular spot at Chloorkop and was loaned out to Israel before coming back to join Simba on a one-year deal.
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On top of that, speculation was rife that the Free State-born Maema was on the verge of reuniting with Berdien and De Reuck, indeed the Tanzanian Premier League side snapped him up.
The 29-year-old was recently released by Sundowns alongside Thembinkosi Lorch. The latter is on his way to rejoin Wydad Athletic Club in Morocco on a permanent deal.
Billy, as Maema is fondly known, joined Masandawana in 2021 from Bloemfontein Celtic. He has won the league title four times, including one Nedbank Cup, one MTN8, and one African Football League title.
Maema leaves Chloorkop having made 120 appearances, scored 14 goals, and provided 13 assists.
Meanwhile, Berdien who also worked under former Masandawana boss, Pitso Mosimane, has been part of Davids’ backroom staff in the East African country.
Speaking exclusively to this publication from Dar Es Salaam, the Cape Town-born and former Banyana Banyana trainer said the duo is settling in well.
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“Both Neo and Rushine are doing well. Neo is training well. He was suffering from a bit of fatigue as he played in the CHAN tournament and training with the national team,” said Berdien.
“However, we will have to help him settle down in here. I have been in contact with them since I left Sundowns. Rushine is also working hard, happy and settling down well here.”
While the season is yet to start in Tanzania, this publication understands that the club is preparing for the upcoming season in Egypt.
The Reds of Msimbazi finished the previous campaign as runners-up trailing the champions, Young Africans by four points after 30 matches.
By Phumzile Ngcatshe
