Rusike reveals European interest

The Zimbabwean international decided to extend his stay in the Absa Premiership when he dumped Maritzburg United for SuperSport United.

“I needed a change considering that I have been at Maritzburg for two-and- a-half years and I was entering a third year. I have experienced a relegation battle, being in the top eight and achieving what the club has achieved when I was there. The chairman (Farouk Kadodia) told me that there were some enquiries from European teams but I decided to go to SuperSport,” he told Phakaaathi.

Rusike joined SuperSport in a period where they are struggling in the Premiership as they are fighting relegation. He was brought in as a replacement for Jeremy Brockie, who jumped ship to join cross-town rivals Mamelodi Sundowns. Rusike does admit the expectations and pressures that come with leading Matsatsantsa’s attack.

“Football is about taking chances and always trying to prove yourself and if you get that chance you need to be able to deliver. The pressure will always be there and you have to deal with it as a player. I have to work on my game so I can help the team go forward because that is why they signed me,” he said.

In half-a-dozen games so far for the capital city campaigners, Rusike has found the back of the net just once – a statistic he is not proud of.

“I am not very pleased because of the position we are in. I don’t think I have done enough since getting here. But I know that there’s enough room for improvement and I just need to do better,” he said.

Perhaps one could say that although much was expected of Rusike when he arrived at Matsatsantsa, with eight goals to his name in all competitions for Maritzburg, he should be given some time to adapt to SuperSport’s style of play, and should only be expected to hit form next season.

Rusike, however, begs to differ. “I don’t think that there is time for that. I just have to jump into the deep end and go as fast as I can considering the position we are in.”

The 27-year-old Zimbabwean remains the third highest scorer in the Absa Premiership, and is firmly in competition with the likes of Percy Tau, Ryan Moon and Rodney Ramagalela to be the top marksman this season.

“If you are highly rated it makes it even harder because everyone knows your style of play, so you have to work extra hard for you to perform all the time and it is not easy when all eyes are on you. They can easily work against you. Week in, week out you have to have a plan for the next game,” said Rusike.

“My goal is to do well for the team first and then my personal goals will come. It is harder but is part of football and these kinds of challenges are part of the game. That is where you can see whether you are a good player. My job is to try and turn things around,” he added.

While he fended off attempts to lure him to Europe, he does admit he would like to one day ply his trade abroad.

“That is where the best leagues are.Take nothing away from South Africa, we do have a good league here. If I get a chance to go to Europe I would take it.”

Rusike is not registered for the Caf Confederation Cup, so his next chance to hit the back of the net for SuperSport should come only after the international break, on April 4 at Polokwane City.