Coetzee meets new Sundowns teammates
New Mamelodi Sundowns defender Rivaldo Coetzee met up with his new teammates for the first time at Chloorkop on Thursday morning.
Rivaldo Coetzee of Ajax Cape Town (Chris Ricco/BackpagePix)
The Bafana Bafana international has a moonboot locked around his right foot, which, according to him, can be expected to be part of his attire for at least the next six to eight weeks.
Coetzee made an 11th hour move to the Brazilians on August 31 after his move to Scottish side Celtic fell through.
“It was tough but these things happen and there is always a reason for everything, and I think because of that something good came out of it,” he said.
“I’ve twisted my ankle a couple of times, I’ve had problems with it. I’ve strapped it and I didn’t know that it was this serious. I was upset when they told me about what happened and to think that I have been playing with it for quite a while and to find out in the last minute when everything was already done. I have to keep my head up now and focus on recovery. I was upset but I am not going to blame anyone,” he added.
READ: Sundowns sign Coetzee from Ajax
The African champions then renewed their interest in the 20-year-old, and he didn’t think twice about putting pen to paper.
“I didn’t hesitate for one moment that I want to be here, I signed immediately. This is the club that I have always wanted to join. It is the only club I will play for in the PSL. I am delighted to join this big club and I am looking forward to knowing some of the guys, those who I have not played with in the national team.”
When he recovers, Coetzee faces a challenge to get a place in Pitso Mosimane’s side, but that does not seem to bother him much.
“It doesn’t say anything, it just says to me that the coach believes in me and my ability and what I can do, otherwise he wouldn’t have signed me with this injury, I am happy to be here.”
