Mamelodi Sundowns defender Rivaldo Coetzee has shed light on the specific role coach Steve Komphela has been playing during the team’s pre-season preparations.
Komphela returned to Sundowns in July ahead of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership after surprisingly parting ways with KZN side Golden Arrows.
The former Kaizer Chiefs rejoined Sundowns. Rulani Mokwena left his post as the head coach at the end of the season to join Wydad Casablanca. Another addition to the Masandawana technical team ahead of the new campaign was French mentor Romain Folz, who will work with Manqoba Mngqithi and Komphela.
RIVALDO COETZEE ON WHAT STEVE KOMPHELA HAS BEEN DOING AT SUNDOWNS
The experienced mentor, Komphela often seen as a key figure in the Sundowns technical team, has been focusing on a particular area to enhance the squad’s performance. Speaking to the media, Coetzee revealed that Komphela, a former defender, has been instrumental in refining the team’s defensive tactics.
The Tshwane giants have good, experienced defenders [centre-backs]. This includes the likes of Mosa Lebusa, Grant Kekana, Mothobi Mvala, Rushine De Reuck, and Abdelmounaim Boutouil.
“Coach Steve [Komphela] has been working with the defenders especially, [showing us] what he expects of us,” said Coetzee. “So I just need to focus on my own game, listen to the pointers of all coaches that we have.
Coetzee further opened up on being used as a defensive midfielder instead of his natural position playing as a centre-back.
“There are pros and cons, there are more pros to it, even if you are on the bench, you know you can cover two or three positions,” he added.
“Those kinds of players are always vital to have in the squad, but for me, I don’t have a preference [centre-back or defensive middfield]. It’s just to play wherever the coach wants me to play and try to do the job for the team,” he added.
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