Manqoba Mngqithi’s Player Gamble Came at a Heavy Price for Mamelodi Sundowns

• New Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi said he does not understand how Rivaldo Coetzee could have suffered another injury setback
• The defender was stretchered off during Sundowns' 3-0 victory over Cape Town City on Wednesday, 30 October 2024, despite coming on in the second half
• Local football fans backed Coetzee to make a speedy recovery while they said the player would have had a stellar career had it not been for injuries

Coach Manqoba Mngqithi has been frustrated after the latest injury to talented defender Rivaldo Coetzee.

The 28-year-old defender has endured an injury-plagued career at Sundowns but remains one of the first names in the starting line-up when fit.

Despite being a second-half substitute after a spell on the sidelines, Coetzee picked up another knock during Downs' 3-0 victory over Cape Town City on Wednesday, 30 October 2024.

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Manqoba Mngqithi regrets his decision

Mngqithi speaks about Coetzee in the tweet below:

According to iDiski Times, Masandawana coach Mngqithi said he hesitated to play Coetzee before his injury.

Mngqithi said:

"I really did not want to use him up until a point where Aubaas was fouled; I didn't want to lose Aubaas, so maybe Riva must have some minutes as an activation towards the next match, and unfortunately, he got that freak injury, I just don't understand at the moment."

Fans hope for the best

Local football fans wished Coetzee a speedy recovery and said the player who signed a new Downs deal at the end of last season could have been an all-time great.

Smanga Liso Sibiya is not a fan:

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"I wish he could be out for the rest of the season."

Serame Sereke feels for Coetzee:

"Always injured this guy; he's so unlucky."

The-brand Thamie Thamie hopes for the best:

"Too bad for him, but speed recovery."

Bongani Ngwane is a fan:

"The boy is just unlucky. If it weren't for injuries by now, he would be playing in EPL or Bundesliga. He has such pure talent; I'm so glad he doesn't give up."

Lusa Mnkandla blamed Mngqithi:

"Manqoba failed to manage Riva. There was no need to play him vs Polokwane and yesterday."

Manqoba Mngqithi has praise for a new signing

As reported by Briefly News, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi had high praise for new signing Asekho Tiwani.

Since arriving at the PSL champions from Sekhukhune United, Mngqithi said he has been impressed with the youngster's dedication and consistency.

Source: Briefly News