Mamelodi Sundowns defensive midfielder Rivaldo Coetzee says the squad learnt a lesson from the Wydad heartbreak and promises to remain loyal to the club after their support during difficult times.
Sundowns fell at the semi-final stage of the CAF Champions League after a 2-2 draw in Tshwane saw Wydad advance to the final against Al Ahly – who secured the title.
It was a bitter pill to swallow as they were unbeaten and playing some of the most enterprising football the competition has ever seen.
But Coetzee, who’s returned from injury and has been in supreme form in Rulani Mokwena’s new-look system says they are clear on their objective this season.
“Look we all feel the pain of what happened last season, we were so close, it’s not like we lost the game to get knocked out of the Champions League, we were out based on the away goal rule,” Coetzee said about the conversation amongst the players.
“That will be a learning curve for us this season, we discussed why we didn’t go to the final and I think the main part was the first leg, which was away – I think we only won in the quarter-finals away, semi-finals we drew…
“I think this year we preparing to go into the first leg to win it, try to kill the game off as we’ve done now in this preliminary round but we also know that it’s the Champions League and it’s never over – even a 4-0 scoreline, we still prepare for the second leg, the same way we prepare for every other game.”
With Coetzee being signed after a failed move to Glasgow Celtic and unable to play for a full season upon his arrival, added to his horror 2022/23 campaign, he said he’s ready to repay Masandawana for their patience and help to get back to his best form.
“I will always be grateful to this club, they they bought me when I was injured, and they knew that I would not play for the first year,” Coetzee said about his loyalty to Sundowns.
“And then last year as well, I was injured for a full year again, and the club has been very good to me. I can’t I can’t thank them enough. So now it’s about me repaying the faith that they’re showing me.
“Like you said many teams can terminate contracts. But there was never any discussion of that, of terminating – or letting me go. They always believed in me, and all I can do is to stay fit and help the team and this club as much as possible.”
Sundowns host Bamamuru on Saturday at Lucas Moripe Stadium holding a 4-0 first leg advantage in their 2nd round playoff clash.
