Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Rivaldo Coetzee has spoken out on his Bafana Bafana snub despite his impressing for league champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
Coetzee has been an imposing figure at Sundowns for over a year now, but he has found it tough to win his way into the national setup.
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The 24-year-old has a special connection with Bafana Bafana having made his debut as a teenager in 2014 under Shakes Mashaba but has since made a solitary appearance in the last 27 competitive fixtures.
Coetzee, who has overcome an extended period on the sidelines due to injury, has now spoken on his apparent snub for the national team.
"It happens in football when a new coach comes in and he has different plans by wanting different players in different positions and I respect that," says Coetzee in the September edition of KICK OFF currently on sale.
Though he has again started off the new season with aplomb for Sundowns, Coetzee has not been included in the latest Bafana Bafana squad to play Zimbabwe and Ghana in the upcoming 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
"I won't be everyone's cup of tea. Not everyone will like me as a player, and I respect that. No problem. So, for me I am obviously disappointed about not being in the national team for so many games but also it is a sign that I should continue working hard and hope for a call-up in the next camp.
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"If I can perform well and be consistent hopefully, I will get a chance to get back into the set-up," says Coetzee.
Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi has been giving glowing reviews about Coetzee questioning his continued omission from the national team following the transformation that he has had converting to central midfield from defence.
"Funny enough coach Manqoba is the one that was pushing for me to play in midfield since the first year when I couldn't play," Coetzee added.
He also speaks about the investments that he has made from his earnings at Sundowns, his desire to still win trophies at Sundowns and then move on to play in Europe among many other exciting topics.
To read the full feature and other exciting interviews, buy the latest edition of KICK OFF Magazine on sale now.