Rivaldo Coetzee’s move to Celtic fell through in 2017, but the centre-back has finally returned from injury.
Remember Rivaldo Coetzee, Celtic fans?
Back in the summer of 2017, the South American centre-back was on the verge of joining Brendan Rodgers’ Scottish champions, with the Mail claiming that an £800,000 fee had been agreed with Ajax Cape Town.
But the move fell through in heartbreaking fashion. The Scottish Sun state that Coetzee failed his medical after club doctors found an issue with a bone in his foot and subsequently swapped Ajax CT for South African rivals Mamelodi Sundowns instead.
Coetzee’s injury worries were only just beginning, however. The 22-year-old still hasn’t made an appearance for Sundowns since joining them 15 months ago – and the Scottish Sun claimed earlier this year that he could even be forced to retire.
But things are looking up at last. Coetzee has finally returned to the pitch after undergoing corrective surgery and produced a masterful performance in his comeback at the weekend, a 2-1 win at SuperSport United.
And, speaking to IOL, Sundowns manager Pitso Mosimane has suggested that the ball-playing defender is now ready for a move to Europe once again.
“It is so good to see him play. He deserves to play in Europe.”
And this should not pass Celtic by. Brendan Rodgers is obviously a big fan, describing Coetzee as ‘outstanding’ last year (BT Sport) while a new centre-back is still a priority for a side who look destined to lose Dedryck Boyata.
What a remarkable U-turn this could be.
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