Rivaldo Coetzee played his first minutes in the Betway Premiership for 18 months when he came on at halftime for new club Sekhukhune United in their 1-0 win over Magesi FC on Saturday, drawing praise from coach Eric Tinkler.
Sekhukhune signed Coetzee as a free agent after the latter left Mamelodi Sundowns at the end of last season, having battled with injury in recent times.
His previous appearance in the Betway Premiership was for Sundowns against Cape Town City, then coached by Tinkler, in October 2024.
He brings versatility to Sekhukhune that Tinkler hopes will help them finish third in the league and qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
“That’s the beauty of Rivaldo. He can play as a central defender, he can play as a holding midfielder,” Tinkler said. “Those are the two positions where his strength lies. 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 into midfield. I played there, and there is a lot of pressure and very high intensity. So gradually, but he can do both.
“Every single pass he made went to a player, 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 and did well.”
Sekhukhune are next in action away to Stellenbosch FC on Friday night.