Rusike was part of the Warriors’ Nations Cup qualifying matches, but was not called up for the Mali home and away ties. The Ajax Cape Town player was sidelined for the better part of the season of the South African premiership due a knee and ankle injuries.
However, Rusike who is fully recovered, is part of the foreign-based players that have been called to do duty for the Young Warriors against South Africa next weekend.
The little wide winger said he would use the platform to reclaim his Warriors jersey.
“I have been out of action for Ajax for the better part of the second season of the league. But after recovering from a knee and ankle injuries, which gave me a lot of problems, I had to reclaim my position at Ajax,” Rusike said.
“I played in most of the last games of the league. I actually played the entire match in the last game of the league when we were held to a 2-all draw at home by Maritzburg United and lost the championship.
“I have no problem with our national team coach Norman Mapeza not calling me to join others for the Mali ties, but I will use this Young Warriors opportunity to reclaim what belongs to me in the Warriors set-up.”
Rusike and Khama Billiat, who both turn out for Ajax Cape Town, are the notable inclusions in the Young Warriors squad for the All Africa Games.Billiat was part of the Warriors team that went to Mali and lost 1-0 to the Eagles of Mali and he was also part of the team that beat Mali 2-1 at Rufaro a fortnight ago.
Rusike had a fairytale success story after being plucked from Alaska Mine by Moses Chunga to feature for CAPS United in the 2007 and 2008 season. Rusike dazzled the local premiership before he was signed by the Urban Warriors—a team known for its liking for young talented players.
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The Young Warriors’ technical team had wanted to bring in Kaizer Chiefs striker Knowledge Musona, but Chiefs could not release him as they argued that the All Africa Games were not on the Fifa calendar and that they needed Musona to prepare for the new soccer season.
