Pitso compares Rivaldo to Barcelona legend

Despite their narrow defeat to AS Otôho d’Oyo in the CAF Champions League Preliminary Round first-leg at the weekend, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane sang praises for versatile player Rivaldo Coetzee, comparing him to a Barcelona and Spanish legend.

Read: Pitso angered by CAF rule changing

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The Brazilians lost 2-1 Away to the Congolese outfit, and will have it all to do when they look to overturn their first leg deficit in the reverse fixture, in order to advance to the next round.

Coetzee signed for the Chloorkop outfit following Ajax Cape Town’s relegation from the elite league in the 2017/18 season.

The Kakamas-born player’s preferred position has been as a central defender, however Mosimane has opted to deploy him in a defensive midfield role this season.

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The 22-year-old’s attributes includes passing accuracy, off-the-ball movement and reading of the game in defensive positions, which has led to plaudits from his coach.

Speaking to Kickoff.com, ‘Jingles’ said, “For me with Rivaldo it’s just a question of one scout from Europe. He is a European six, he’s a [Sergio] Busquets. He does not make many mistakes.

“We invested a lot of money in him, he did not come cheap from Ajax. We took a risk and it could have backfired on me. He’s a special player, he’s an investment. The boy is 22. If Percy went overseas at 23, Keagan at 23…so one more year for Rivaldo. He’s got a chance. The boy can play in the UK, easy. He can play in France, he can play in Italy. He is quality, “concluded Mosimane.

The reigning PSL champions switch their focus to domestic action with a trip to Nelson Mandela Bay to take on Chippa United in a league tie on Wednesday, August 14.