Manqoba Mngqithi has indicated some regret over a decision about defensive midfielder Rivaldo Coetzee during Mamelodi Sundowns' 3-0 Betway Premiership win over Cape Town City on Wednesday.
The defending champions returned to winning ways at Loftus Versfeld Stadium with a convincing 3-0 win over Cape Town City as Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Peter Shalulile (brace) registered their names on the score sheet.
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The encounter, though, was not without casualties, as Coetzee had to be stretchered off the field due to an injury despite having only come on in the last six minutes of the game.
The defensive midfielder has been plagued by injuries in recent years but had enjoyed a bright start to the 2024/25 season, making seven appearances prior to Wednesday's encounter and being one of Sundowns' key players.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Mngqithi revealed he had actually intended to rest the former Ajax Cape Town player but had a change of mind late in the match.
"I wouldn't want to talk about the injuries as such, but it was just unfortunate [for Coetzee to get injured] and the sad part is, I had said to him I don't want to use him in this match. That is what sits hard on me," Mngqithi revealed.
"I really did not want to use him, up until a point where [Bathusi] Aubaas was fouled. I didn't want to lose Aubaas, so maybe Riva must have some minutes as an activation towards the next match and unfortunately he got that freak injury. I just don't understand at the moment.
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"Maybe after the footage, I can comment on it, but it was just unfortunate and I agree with him, he just does not have luck. This was the first season I have seen him play so many matches in a row without any injury and being able to sustain himself.
"He's been training a lot in the club with Peter [Shalulile], which has helped a lot to be stronger physically and to manage to play game after game after game. Rivaldo is not someone like that, but again, we have this setback. Let's hope it's not something serious," added The Brazilians coach.
Sundowns return to action on Saturday, where they take on Kaizer Chiefs in the quarterfinals of the Carling Knockout at FNB Stadium.
Kick-off is at 18:00.