Former Mamelodi Sundowns versatile player Rivaldo Coetzee has opened up about his recent departure from the reigning Betway Premiership champions, concluding an eight-year tenure with the club.
Coetzee officially parted ways with Sundowns following the conclusion of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season. The Tshwane giants announced the versatile player’s exit on Sunday, alongside that of teammate Lebohang Maboe.
Despite enjoying great success at the club, his progress was hindered by persistent injuries that limited his game time. He won eight league titles with Sundowns, including the African Football League in 2023.
The 28-year-old defender only featured in five Betway Premiership matches last season and was released before the club participated in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the USA.
In an interview with FARPost, Coetzee revealed that his departure from Sundowns wasn’t a surprise, indicating a period of anticipation and personal preparation for the inevitable change.
RIVALDO COETZEE ON SUNDOWNS DEPARTURE: ‘I KNEW IT WAS COMING’
“Look, I knew it was coming before it happened. So I prepared myself for a while now for this moment,” Coetzee told this publication.
He was speaking at the ABC Motsepe League national playoffs, where he had come in to support his home team, Kakamas Juventus.
“I spent a lot of years at Sundowns, successful years. I made brothers in that team and the club as a whole, and they will always be close to me. No matter where I go or play, I still wish them all the success,” he said.
RIVALDO COETZEE OFFERS SUPPORT TO HIS HOMETOWN TEAM AT THE NATIONAL PLAYOFFS
Coetzee also explained why he felt the need to offer support to the ABC Motsepe League side Kakamas at the playoffs in Soshanguve.
“We are from the same Kasi [township], but we have always been rivals. I grew up with Kakamas Sundowns. So we always had one of the biggest rivals there. But this is a different stage now, and they are doing something good for Kakamas…”
RELATED STORY: Mbule & Rivaldo Coetzee leave Sundowns: Makaab speaks out