Sekhukhune United head coach Eric Tinkler has explained how he intends to utilise newly signed versatile player Rivaldo Coetzee at the club.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns player made his debut for the Limpopo side during the 1-0 win against Magesi FC at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday.
Coetzee came in place of Daniel Cardoso at the beginning of the second half to play at the centre of defence.
The 29-year-old has played as both a defender and a midfielder during his time at Mamelodi Sundowns.
And speaking after the win against Magesi, Tinkler hinted that the former Bafana Bafana player would only be utilised as a defender at Sekhukhune for the time being.
WHY ERIC TINKER PREFERS HIS NEW SIGNING AT CENTER BACK FOR NOW
“That’s the beauty of Rivaldo. He can play as a central defender, he can play as a holding midfielder,” said Tinkler.
“Those are the two positions where his strength is. His vision from those positions is very good, and I think, for now, centre back is where I would put him.
“I think it will be a little bit too early to throw him in the midfield. I played there, and there is a lot of pressure and very high intensity. So gradually, but he can do both.”
RIVALDO COETZEE IMPRESSES ON HIS SEKHUKHUNE UNITED DEBUT
Tinkler was also impressed with Coetzee’s debut match, having struggled with match fitness before the game.
“We can’t change the way we play. We are a team that wants to be position-based and wants to play from the back, and against Magesi, we were struggling with Daniel [Cardoso], and Tresor [Tshibwabwa], and he [Coetzee] brought that calmness,” added the Sekhukhune coach
“Every single pass he made went to a play, and that’s the quality that he possesses. He reads the game very well and understands the game. His communication with his teammates is very good. He’s come through a lot. He did well quite easily.”
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