Rivaldo Coetzee returns ahead of Sundowns’ derby clash against SuperSport United
Youngster dips a toe into the water for SuperSport clash
● Mamelodi Sundowns are a team in transition and their rearguard is one area in need of refining.
It’s great that Pitso Mosimane’s side boasts of having the experience of Wayne Arendse (34) and Ricardo Nascimento (32), but the reality is that these defenders are nearing the end of their stellar stints with the Brazilians if their age is taken into account.
No wily coach can discard the duo’s experience willy-nilly and Mosimane is astutely planning for life without two of his key defenders who have contributed immensely to the success of his team over the past five seasons.
Enter Rivaldo Coetzee.
A year ago Mosimane had almost lost hope of ever seeing Coetzee, the player he had signed in a five-year deal from Ajax Cape Town in August 2017, donning the Brazilians jersey in an official match.
Speaking to the Sunday Times in April Mosimane said: “It’s a sad case because Rivaldo is a youngster that I thought will fill the left side of our central defence because Ricardo Nascimento is 32 years old now.
“The guy (Rivaldo) is 21 and has played for Bafana so many games. There was never ever doubt that this boy is a good footballer and will fit in the way we play.”
At the time Mosimane was concerned about Coetzee’s toe injury, which they knew about when they signed him, but was taking longer than expected to heal.
In fact Mosimane was close to losing hope that Coetzee would recover from an injury which mystified many experts.
So it was with much relief to Mosimane and his club this week when Coetzee, 15 months after he was signed, made his official debut in a Caf Champions League first leg preliminary round tie against Leones Vegetarianos of Equatorial Guinea.
Coetzee produced a polished performance playing the full 90 minutes alongside Arendse as Jeremy Brockie and Themba Zwane’s goals gave the Brazilians a healthy 2-0 away victory.
So as Mosimane continues with the rebuilding of his defence he must have been thrilled that at least one piece seems to have fallen into its rightful place.
The Sundowns coach still has this season to get another young right-footed central defender he may have to pair with Arendse in the coming seasons.
As Sundowns face the crucial matter of visiting their Tshwane neighbours SuperSport United at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in an Absa Premiership tie today, Mosimane may be tempted to further test Coetzee’s readiness for what was always going to be a hectic season for the Brazilians.
Sundowns have been dominant in this fixture, winning seven of the last eight clashes in the past four seasons.
What could be cold comfort for United is the fact that they managed to somewhat halt the slaughter when they drew 1-1 in their last league clash last season.
“We certainly can do with the confidence created by our last league result against Sundowns,” said United midfielder Teboho Mokoena.
“We have a number of regular players out injured so this presents a good chance for other players to show the coach what they can do. For me there’s no better stage than in a derby match against Sundowns.”
Both Sundowns and United have been blowing hot and cold in the league but the winner of today’s match might indicate who is really capable of staying in touch with log leaders Orlando Pirates.
In reality, Sundowns will go to this match as strong favourites with United missing the injured Thabo Mnyamane, Morgan Gould, Bradley Grobler, Clayton Daniels and skipper Dean Furman.