Prosport International CEO Mike Makaab has addressed the departures of Sipho Mbule and Rivaldo Coetzee from Mamelodi Sundowns, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding their exits from the club.
Mbule and Coetzee have parted ways with Sundowns following the conclusion of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season, Makaab confirmed.
The duo’s departure signals an anticipated squad overhaul for the Brazilians, especially after their recent disappointment in the CAF Champions League.
Sundowns suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat in the return-leg [3-1 on aggregate] against Egyptian side Pyramids FC in the Champions League final this past weekend. Just hours after this continental setback, the club made the decision to release Mbule and Coetzee.
Often labelled a “bad boy,” talented midfielder Mbule spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Sekhukhune United. However, his tenure with Babina Noko was cut short due to alleged disciplinary issues at the club.
During his loan spell, the former SuperSport United star made 17 appearances across all competitions, netting two goals and providing three assists. The 28-year-old spent two seasons at Sundowns after joining the club in 2022 from SuperSport.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS DECIDE AGAINST TRIGGERING OPTIONS ON MBULE AND COETZEE’S CONTRACTS
On the other hand, Coetzee’s progress has been marred by persistent injuries that limited his game-time with the Pretoria-based outfit.
The versatile defender-cum-midfielder featured in eight matches in all competitions in the just-ended campaign before suffering an injury setback.
Coetzee spent seven seasons with Masandawana after arriving from Ajax Cape Town [now known as Cape Town Spurs] in 2018.
The reigning league champions opted against exercising the options to renew the contracts of the two players, making them free to sign with any club of their choice.
“Sipho Mbule Mbule and Rivaldo Coetzee are free,” Makaab told FARPost. “They are leaving Mamelodi Sundowns after the club didn’t take options on their contracts.”
It remains to be seen which Premiership clubs the two highly-rated players, Mbule and Coetzee, will join for the upcoming 2025/26 season.
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