Sundowns and Bafana defender suffers set-back after freak injury

Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana defender Rushine De Reuck suffered a huge setback following a ‘freak incident’ during training.

The 27-year-old sustained a serious injury during pre-season training just before the team departed to the Netherlands.

Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has provided an update on De Reuck’s injury.

Sundowns says De Rueck underwent surgery

“It was a very freaky incident at training and it was a pity because he had played the first match of the first friendly [matches] and he had played very, very well. He returned back in very, very good shape, but he landed awkwardly and then felt a very sharp pain in and around the knee.

ALSO READ: Sundowns opponents in Europe pre-season REVEALED!!!!

“Upon observation the doctors felt that instead of being very conservative, the time frame for the layout would be the same as a conservative approach and yet you could get probably greater long-term benefits if you weren’t a little bit more on the surgical route,” said the Sundowns coach

Sundowns remain optimistic that the medical staff will be working tirelessly to ensure the defender receives the best possible treatment and rehabilitation.

ALSO READ: Mngqithi might leave Sundowns before the season ends

“[After thorough] consultation with a knee specialist and with Rushine, we felt that the right approach was to go surgical. The surgery went well, he is already home and the players had him on the phone and we all wished him a speedy recovery. Hopefully he’ll be back in time to still continue and make a great contribution to this season because he has got qualities for sure that make us believe that he can be one of our best center-backs,” Mokwena said.

ALSO READ: Sundowns defender looking ahead to next season with ambition

Sundowns kick-off their opening match in Netherlands with a 2-2 draw against Gent on Friday.

ALSO READ: PSL Awards: Sundowns star beats Saleng to Footballer of the Season award

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY ELIOT MAHLASE