“I feel like a lot of people don’t appreciate what I offer” Rivaldo
Rivaldo Coetzee was born for football and became the youngest player to ever represent South Africa at the age of 17.
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Rivaldo Coetzee believes many people do not appreciate what he has to offer.
Riva, as affectionately known by his colleagues, said the move to Mamelodi Sundowns from Ajax Cape Town helped him heal and begin his recovery journey.
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Rivaldo Coetzee says Sundowns made him better
Furthermore, he stated that the backlash that he received during his injury lay-offs might have caused the football fans to appreciate his skills a lot less, but he is appreciative that he is on a team that recognises his hard work.
‘I still don’t know exactly how I made it through that situation. But I also think when Sundowns came in, it helped a little bit to make it better. I think if I had to stay at Ajax Cape Town I wasn’t going to recover. I don’t pay much attention to the backlash, but I feel like a lot of people don’t appreciate what I offer. For me, as long as I get the appreciation from the team and the club, I’m fine,” Rivaldo said on the Sundowns website.
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Rivaldo Coetzee was born for football, and his impressive career is a testament to that, from being the youngest player to ever represent South Africa at the age of 17 to getting a nod from international clubs.
“I have always wanted to play football. I think if you ask my mother, she will tell you that I told her from a very young age that this is what I want to do for a living. I have enjoyed it since I was a young boy. After school, no matter how hot it would be, I would have a ball with me, get some friends and play football on the streets. That was what made me to fall in love with the game at a young age,” Rivaldo said.
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