Rivaldo happy to add experience to SA U-23s
TEENAGE Bafana Bafana central defender Rivaldo Coetzee has been included in the South African Under-23 squad for the Eight Nations tournament in Senegal.
The event, taking place from November 28 to December 12, serves as the official African qualifier for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The top three countries secure a spot in Brazil.
As such, Amaglug-glug coach Owen da Gama has opted to take his strongest available squad to Senegal. While 19-year-old Coetzee has not featured for the junior national team, he has been a regular in the Bafana squad, where he has accumulated 15 caps over the last few months.
With the PSL taking a break to accommodate the Eight Nations tournament and all players available, it was a no-brainer that Da Gama would take Coetzee.
In short, he is the best young defender in the country. “I’m excited by the U23 call-up,” said Coetzee. “It’s great to be part of such a fantastic young squad, probably the best U23 team we’ve had in a long time.
“What I can bring to the team is my experience of having played in Africa with the Bafana squad, and hopefully that will help the team in defence and in making sure that we keep clean sheets in Senegal.”
In addition to Coetzee, three more Ajax players have been included in the squad – Abbubaker Mobara, Riyaad Norodien, pictured, and Jody February. Other Cape-based footballers making the cut are Cape Town All Stars duo Kyle Peters and Paseka Mako.
“It’s always good to have teammates with you in a national squad,” said Coetzee. “And I’m sure that Bara, Riyaad and Jody will use their quality to contribute to the overall success of the U23 team.
“But the most important thing is for us to go there, work hard, take it one game at a time, and make sure that we qualify for the Rio Olympics… that is the expectation and that is the end-goal.”
Also in the national squad are in-form Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Keagan Dolly and the 18-year-old striker creating quite a stir in the PSL, Wits ace Phakamani Mahlambi.
“I’ve included as many versatile players as possible,” said Da Gama. “Players who can play in every department. This is a competitive side, but we now need to go and win in Senegal.
“This team has quality. The trick of playing away from home is to score early and silence the crowd. We will try to do so against Senegal in the opening match.” – Rodney Reiners