Injured SA player Coetzee could finally debut for Downs
Bafana Bafana centre back Rivaldo Coetzee last kicked a ball in anger almost one year ago and has battled with a toe injury that would not heal, putting his career in jeopardy.
But the 21-year-old is finally back in full training and in contention to make his debut for Mamelodi Sundowns when the new season starts next month‚ almost a year after they signed him from Ajax Cape Town.
Coetzee has not played since his move‚ as Sundowns sought to get medical attention to a troublesome bone injury in his toe that has been a consistent problem throughout his career and twice before necessitated surgery.
It was an injury that also scuppered a proposed move to Scottish champions Glasgow Celtic‚ who turned down the chance to buy him on medical grounds.
But Sundowns went ahead and purchased him on a fiveyear deal‚ expecting Coetzee would heal faster than he did.
At one stage last season it looked as if he might have to quit a promising career.
Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane said at that time the problem was one of restricted blood flow to the affected area‚ and that he was worried about Coetzee’s future.
But the coach will be all smiles now that the defender from Kakamas in the Northern Cape is back on course. He was due for a run-out last Saturday in the friendly against Kaizer Chiefs but did not play.
“We are very optimistic that he will be back this season‚” his agent Mike Makaab said on Monday.