Rushine De Reuck: I expected a Bafana Bafana call-up

Bafana Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki did not select De Reuck for the back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers that were meant to be played in March against Sao Tome and Principe.

De Reuck is not the only player who was surprised by news of his exclusion, with overseas star Bongani Zungu making his feelings about his snub well known.

Rated as one of the best current defenders in the PSL, the 24-year-old De Reuck admitted he is shocked that he has been overlooked.

"With the Bafana snub – obviously, I’m not going to lie, I expected the call-up because I was doing really well," De Reuck said in an online press conference.

"We [Maritzburg] probably have the best defence in the league statistically, and we had kept 12 clean sheets and everyone was talking about it."

Rushine De Reuck - The 24-year-old has been rock-solid to help Maritzburg's incredible turnaround. His timing in dealing with aerial or ground threats he has done without fail.

Motjeka Madisha - He has been involved in most games for a very busy Sundowns team producing clinical performances every week, and has grown in maturity as a centre-back.

Eric Mathoho - After losing his place through injury last season 'Tower' has reclaimed his place in the team. His form has helped Chiefs stay on top of the log from the first week.

Daniel Cardoso - Cardoso has been prone to errors in the past but this season has been more consistent alongside Mathoho and has also been showing the nerve to score crucial goals.

Clayton Daniels - Got the better of Gaston Sirino in the MTN8 and SuperSport went on to win that, with Daniels instrumental. His consistency over the years has only increased.

The Cape Town-born star says he is using the snub as motivation to work extra hard and will use it to push for the attention of the national team coach for the next call-up.

"But what can you do? There are a lot of other players who probably also feel they were snubbed," he reasoned.

"So I can’t go to social media talking about stuff like that. I just need to stay positive and continue to work hard, because I know my chance will come.

"There’s a lot of motivation to take from that too. Obviously I was a bit upset but not for too long.

"Nothing comes easy. I just need to continue working hard and that’s my biggest goal."