Mamelodi Sundowns face a tough call on the future of a star player who has been a key figure for the club in recent seasons.
The South African champions constantly strengthen their squad, bringing in fresh faces and letting go of others.
As the season progresses, Sundowns find themselves needing to address the expiring contracts of several key players.
A prodigy turned powerhouse, Rivaldo Coetzee’s career has been a rollercoaster. Debuting at just 17 for Ajax Cape Town, his talent shone early. He even became the youngest-ever player for South Africa at 17.
After representing the country at the 2016 Olympics, Coetzee faced a major setback with a serious injury.
However, he displayed immense resilience, battling back to become a vital central midfielder for Masandawana, even earning recognition as a Midfielder of the Season nominee in the 2020/21 PSL awards.
WHY MAMELODI SUNDOWNS ARE CONSIDERING RIVALDO COETZEE’S EXIT
Coetzee’s contract expires in June 2024, although there is an option to extend it. The 27-year-old has battled injuries in recent seasons, limiting his playing time and raising concerns about his fitness moving forward.
This has prompted Sundowns’ management to rethink activating the contract extension. According to sources close to the club, internal discussions regarding Coetzee’s future are ongoing.
The final decision will likely depend on his progress in the coming months. Sundowns could trigger the contract extension, offer Coetzee a new deal with revised terms, or allow him to leave the club on a free transfer.
“There have been internal discussions on Riva’s future, and there is a sense that the club should let him go. He has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, and the club has been patient with him,” a source told FARPost.
The talented defender has enjoyed success with Sundowns, but his recent injury woes have cast doubt on his reliability. Coetzee has been a mainstay at the back for Sundowns for much of his seven years at the club, making a significant contribution to their trophy haul.
However, injuries have restricted his playing time to 17 starts in all competitions this season. The Brazilians are involved in several competitions this season and have played over 40 games.
While the Ajax Cape Town academy graduate’s talent and experience are undeniable, the club feels that it needs to prioritise players who can consistently contribute on the pitch.
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