Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane believes Rivaldo Coetzee is an ‘unbelievable player’ but can’t understand ‘why people don’t like him’.

Coetzee was initially signed to play in the centre-back position, however, Mosimane has since deployed him in the middle of the park alongside Hlompho Kekana.

The 23-year-old has since featured 15 times for the Brazilians this season while assisting in two goals in the process.

Mosimane has now defended Coetzee, who he believes can hold his own on the pitch, especially in his new role in the heart of the Sundowns midfield.

‘Rivaldo is an unbelievable player – he doesn’t get the credit that he deserves,’ Mosimane told the media.

‘Sometimes people don’t like him and I don’t know why they don’t like him. He is an accurate passer with the right and left foot and he wins headers in the midfield – brings the ball back. But it takes time, maybe people will start realising why we pick him sometimes.’

Mamelodi Sundowns will next travel to the Orlando Stadium on Thursday to take on Kaizer Chiefs in the Absa Premiership, with kick-off set for 6pm.