Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Rivaldo Coetzee has reflected on what hindered his side from getting the better of Stellenbosch FC.
Masandawana were unexpectedly held to a 1-1 draw by a vibrant youthful side of Stellies in a DStv Premiership match at the Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
In the line-up, Sundowns mentor Rulani Mokwena made a blend of regulars and fringe players.
Coetzee, who also started the game, recently returned from a long-term injury and there’s still rustiness in his game.
He says it was expected that they wouldn’t click as a group because they haven’t been playing together regularly.
RIVALDO COETZEE ON WHAT HINDERED MAMELODI SUNDOWNS FROM WINNING AGAINST STELLIES
“We knew they were going to put intensity; we expected them to play on a counter-attack,” Coetzee told Sundowns’ media department
“But we dealt well with the counter-attack, we limited them, especially in the first half. They have the legs to keep up with you in terms of intensity but now it’s up to the quality of the team to come through.
“But obviously, a lot of players getting a chance today including myself, so there was rather no cohesion in our play.
“But the coach spoke to us at halftime and said he understands that there won’t be cohesion because we haven’t played much together as a group.
“Second half we got the goal, I think the subs that came on gave us that extra edge.
“But after a goal, we took our foot off the pedal a little bit and that’s they got that chance for the penalty. It’s an away game, a lot of players getting a chance as I said but we’ll take the draw.”
Sundowns are next in action with Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League match that will take place at the Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 11 March at 15:00.
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