Mamelodi Sundowns defender Rivaldo Coetzee says it feels good to be back and part of the Brazilians squad following his lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The 23-year-old spent nine months on the sidelines with a foot injury after suffering another set-back when he sustained a leg injury following a dangerous challenge by Mogamad De Goede during the 3-1 victory over Stellenbosch FC last year.

However, the former Ajax Cape Town defender has since made a quick recovery under team doctors and physiotherapists and returned to full training, giving coach Pitso Mosimane another option in his side.

The defender-cum-midfielder is happy to be back at training and is relishing the chance to get back in the squad and on to the pitch.

‘It’s good to be back to being part of the team for the daily training sessions. I am just hoping to get stronger from here,’ Coetzee told his club’s official website.

‘There are a few things I need to work on and I am looking forward to doing that. I want to help the team as much as possible.’

Over the course of his career, Coetzee has scored one goal and assisted a further two from 119 appearances across all competitions playing for Ajax and Sundowns.