Rivaldo Coetzee set for training return at Mamelodi Sundowns

by Graeme Jackson

Thursday Jul 05, 2018. 11:00

After missing the entire 2017/18 season with injury, defender Rivaldo Coetzee is close to making a return to training with Mamelodi Sundowns.

The 21-year-old centre-back joined Sundowns in August 2017 but didn’t kick a ball in anger through the entire campaign as he battled against a long-term foot injury.

Coetzee has undergone extensive individual training and rehabilitation and Soccer Laduma claims that the player could soon join his ‘Downs teammates for pre-season training.

Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has previously called Coetzee’s situation a “sad story” explaining that the injury has been a complicated one to deal with.

“The doctors are saying blood doesn’t flow into the area where he was injured. That makes his healing process cumbersome because, when the blood is not going to where you are injured, the wound will stay open. But I’m not saying he has a wound,” Mosimane was quoted by the City Press back in April.

While Sundowns would certainly welcome Cotezee’s return, they will not rush him back into action prematurely.

Sundowns could use extra cover in central defence, given that Wayne Arendse is approaching his 34th birthday and Bangaly Soumahoro’s future at the club is uncertain, but that does not mean they will risk a long-term prospect such as Coetzee.