Rivaldo Coetzee eyes fresh start after injury-stricken years

Coetzee, now a free agent, insists that his career setbacks have more to do with bad luck than being "injury prone," and he's determined to prove it on the field once more.

Coetzee first emerged as one of South Africa's brightest prospects, debuting in the Premier Soccer League at just 16 and earning a Bafana Bafana cap a year later.

A potential move to Glasgow Celtic was scuppered by an ankle injury, but Sundowns provided him with a platform to rebuild, supporting him through a year-long recovery period.

"To be honest, 15 months ago, I last played football," the 29-year-old defender said on Metro FM's SNAWA show.

"I've had hamstring, groin, ankle issues and an ACL tear - the biggest setback - but it's not about being injury prone. It's about believing in yourself and having people around you who believe in you."

At Sundowns, Coetzee's versatility became an asset. Originally a centre-back, he was often used as a half-back, balancing defensive duties with midfield responsibilities.

Despite his talent, recurring injuries prevented him from completing full seasons, leaving him on the sidelines more often than he would have liked.

Now, Coetzee is training with Sekhukhune United and is reportedly close to securing a short-term deal for the remainder of the season. He sees this as a chance to return to top-flight football and reclaim the form that once made him one of South Africa's most promising players after injuries derailed his career.

"I've had setbacks, but how you deal with them defines you," he said.

With focus, determination, and a clean bill of health, the former Bafana Bafana defender is ready to show that talent and resilience can overcome misfortune - and that his best football may still lie ahead.