Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Rivaldo Coetzee on the importance of mental strength. Image Source: (@MamelodiSundowns/Twitter)
Sundowns’ Coetzee on mental strength & injury woes
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Rivaldo Coetzee speaks about injury woes and the importance of mental strength.
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Rivaldo Coetzee on the importance of mental strength. Image Source: (@MamelodiSundowns/Twitter)
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Rivaldo Coetzee mentions the importance of mental strength when playing for a big club considering his previous injury woes.
The former Ajax Cape Town defender joined Sundowns carrying an injury and he says being mentally strong helped him overcome several setbacks.
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Just last season, Coetzee sustained another injury that forced him to be sidelined for over a year – he reveals what helped him to bounce back – reports the SABC.
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SUNDOWNS’ COETZEE ON IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL STRENGTH
Coetzee has only featured in 12 matches this current season but he is slowly regaining his best form and credits coach Rulani Mokwena.
“There was never any doubt in my mind. This is all I’ve wanted to do all my life, so I knew that it would require a little bit more, and the mental part is very big, especially in sports in general,” said Coetzee.
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“And then also, you also have all these amazing people around you that guide and help you, a little bit of extra work in the gym as well, with the physios, focussing a lot on recovery.”
COETZEE ON BEING GRATEFUL FOR SUNDOWNS
The 26-year-old Bafana Bafana international joined Sundowns just after his failed move to Scotland’s Glasgow Celtic following an underlying foot injury.
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He says he was always strong that he would bounce back and do what he loves the most, playing football.
“I knew I would come back, it was just about being mentally strong and always being in good shape like coach Rulani says, take care of your body and your career,” he added.
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“I will always be grateful to this team. They bought me when I was injured, and they knew that I would not play for the first year.
“Last year as well, I was injured for a full year again, and the club has been very good to me. I can’t thank them enough.”
With Sundowns turning focus to the CAF Champions League this weekend, Mokwena will count on Coetzee to help maintain their unbeaten run across all competitions.
