Mamelodi Sundowns utility player Rivaldo Coetzee is facing a bleak future at the club as his contract is expiring in June.
Just last week, reports surfaced that Coetzee and Sundowns could part ways due to the fact that the player is injury-prone.
However, his agent Mike Makaab has told Gagasi FM’s Extra Time that talks between the two parties over Coetzee’s future are ongoing.
According to Makaab, Sundowns have an option to renew Coetzee’s contract but they have until the end of May to do that.
In the event that Sundowns don’t trigger the option they have on Coetzee, the player will then be free to sign with a club of his choice.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS AND RIVALDO COETZEE IN TALKS
“Whoever has stated that Sundowns have decided to part ways with Rivaldo and they are not going to exercise the option, I am not sure who has given that information to the media,” said Makaab.
“I was with the club a little over two or three weeks ago and indications were that Mamelodi Sundowns were going to exercise the option. Things change in football we all know that, but I will be having a meeting with the club over the next few weeks, and I guess at that meeting Rivaldo’s decision will be made.”
“As I say, they have an option and they have to exercise the option by the end of May. We have to honour that, and if they don’t exercise the option by the end of May then Rivaldo is free to join a club of his choice,” Makaab added.
WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF COETZEE STAYING?
Asked about Coetzee’s chances of staying at Sundowns beyond the current deal, Makaab was confident that the two parties would reach an agreement.
However, he was cautious given the nature of contract negotiations, especially given Coetzee’s contribution to Sundowns in recent years.
The Kakamas-born star has featured in less than 25 games for Sundowns since the 2021-22 season.
“I think there, you cannot know. I think if you have a look, Rivaldo has been plagued with injuries we know that, I think he played something like ten games at the beginning of the season, and I am not sure if Mamelodi Sundowns lost a game when Rivaldo played… I could be wrong but they haven’t lost many games anyway so that’s probably a little bit of a nothing statement.
“Rivaldo has always shown that he is extremely capable of fitting in with the style of football that Mamelodi Sundowns play, capable to play from the back, play at central defence and he can play at six. He passes the ball beautifully, and yes, he’s been plagued with injuries but we just have to pray that this is now behind him and hopefully, in a couple of weeks, he will be ready to play,” added Makaab.
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