The classy gesture behind De Reuck’s Simba SC captaincy

The South African revolution at Simba SC is not just about results; it’s about a shifting locker room culture. Coach Steve Barker has detailed why Rushine De Reuck has recently been seen leading the club onto the pitch.

In a rare move in professional football, the club’s long-standing skipper, Shomari Kapombe, voluntarily handed the armband to the former Mamelodi Sundowns defender De Reuck—a gesture that underscores the immediate respect the 30-year-old has commanded since arriving in Dar es Salaam.

The Kapombe-De Reuck Pact At Simba

Addressing the media during Simba’s open day on Thursday, Barker clarified that while Kapombe remains the official club captain, the veteran chose to empower De Reuck during a critical run of fixtures.

“It’s just an internal decision between Kapombe and Rushine,” Barker explained. “Kapombe is still the captain of the team, but he wanted Rushine to be captain for a couple of games. He remains the captain of the club, but that selfless gesture shows the unity we have.”

De Reuck has fitted like a glove in East Africa. Following a loan stint in Israel with Maccabi Petah Tikva, the centre-back has rediscovered his best form under Barker’s tutelage. His impact hasn’t just been defensive; he has already chipped in with three goals and secured two Man of the Match awards, becoming an instant fan favourite.

Restoring the Simba Identity

Since Barker took the reins, Simba has undergone a tactical and cultural facelift. Currently sitting third in the Tanzanian Premier League, they trail arch-rivals Young Africans by eight points, but with a game in hand and a renewed sense of belief.

“I am incredibly proud of how the squad has responded,” said Barker. “I made a promise to the management and the fans to restore a team defined by commitment and intensity. I told the players: ‘Play for the badge on the front of the shirt, and the fans will remember the name on the back.’”

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