Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has expressed his concern about the future of talented young defender Rivaldo Coetzee following his lengthy spell on the sidelines, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.
The Brazilians snapped up the defender from Ajax Cape Town on 31 August 2017 after he failed a medical at Scottish giants Glasgow Celtic.
READ: Tshabalala reflects on best Chiefs memories
However, the 21-year-old is yet to make his first appearance for Masandawana as he continues to recover from a foot injury that has plagued him since joining the club.
Mosimane admits that the young defender is struggling to get back to full fitness after spending the whole of last season on the sidelines.
‘What a good player,’ Mosimane said. ‘I invested in the 20-year-old, and I see the same investment we put in Keagan [Dolly], Bongani Zungu and Percy Tau. But these things do happen, you can do nothing; we just have to wait. He is kicking a little bit and touching the ball, but then he comes up and says “pain … coach, pain”. Sometimes he is okay, but I feel sorry [for him]… what a talent.’
WATCH: Gabuza leaves pitch after celebrating Pirates’ goal
The former Bafana Bafana mentor admits he would not have brought in new defender Mosa Lebusa if Coetzee was close to recovering from his injury while admitting that Sundowns will show patience with the youngster.
‘We, at Sundowns, are patient; it is not easy when you spend so much money on him, but that is football,’ he added.
‘Shame man, and he plays for Bafana, he should be helping us. I told him that he needs to pray a lot, maybe these things can change, you never know.
‘He is 21 years old and can still stay two years without playing to get better, but it’s very sad. Do you think I would go and buy another centre back when I have him? So that’s it, injuries.’
WATCH: Baxter’s Bafana Bafana squad announcement
Mamelodi Sundowns will next take on Cape Town City in their MTN8 semi-final second leg at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday with kick-off set for 3pm.
Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
