mamelodi sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi says Themba Zwane and Rivaldo Coetzee are in contention for their CAF Champions League clash with Maniema Union on Sunday. © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Rivaldo Coetzee would be the best in the PSL, but…

Sundowns star Rivaldo Coetzee made a comeback last night which must be a sight for sore eyes, if you’re a Masandawana fan that is.

mamelodi sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi says Themba Zwane and Rivaldo Coetzee are in contention for their CAF Champions League clash with Maniema Union on Sunday. © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Sundowns midfielder Rivaldo Coetzee is undoubtedly a wonderful footballer. He should be one of the finest PSL players around, but you know where this is going.

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Rivaldo Coetzee makes Sundowns comeback

Lorenz Kohler certainly wasn’t wrong when he tweeted this. Coetzee is such a gifted footballer and it’s a treat to see him back doing what he does best. Injuries are part and parcel of this game we love so much, and it’s always difficult to see such talented guys deprived of playing time because of them. How often have we said that though about a player? Rivaldo’s class and pedigree has been obvious from day one.

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Enjoying Rivaldo’s comeback as much as we did. @Lorenz_KO / Twitter

Rivaldo Coetzee is a Rolls Royce player

The elegant Sundowns man is still only 26, but it feels as though he’s been around forever. He’s certainly gifted enough to play for any top club, the main question revolves around his temperament and consistency. He’s certainly an enticing option though. What Rivaldo lacks in dynamism and energy, he makes up for in poise and panache. Converted from a centre-half to a holding midfielder, he’s got all the tools to form the spine of a top team.

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Sundowns DStv Premiership PSL Rivaldo Coetzee
Sundowns fans loving life. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

A new challenge needed for Rivaldo?

He’s been with the Brazilians for five-and-a-half year now, so perhaps a change of scenery could do him good. Injuries have plagued Rivaldo in recent times though. Coetzee hasn’t played a single DStv Premiership match in 2022-23 but he’s on the comeback trail with valuable minutes in the Nedbank Cup last night.

Let’s hope that he can stay fit and force his way back into Rhulani’s PSL and CAF Champions League plans. Who knows, maybe a Bafana recall could follow.


For more insights, analysis and love for football and pop culture, hit up James Freemantle.

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