Manqoba Mngqithi Rules Out Rivaldo Coetzee Move to Golden Arrows Due to Financial Constraints

Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has admitted he would welcome Rivaldo Coetzee to his squad but says financial realities make the move impossible.

Mngqithi worked with Coetzee at Mamelodi Sundowns and remains a big admirer of the 27-year-old, who is now a free agent after Sundowns chose not to extend his contract. Coetzee has been linked with Golden Arrows and Tanzanian side Simba SC as he searches for his next club.

“I like him a lot. But I don’t think he is in our bracket in terms of the package,” Mngqithi told Soccer Laduma. “As a player, I would welcome him any day because I like him a lot, but I just don’t want to make his life difficult because he would have to take a 20-times pay cut in terms of what we can offer.”

Mngqithi praised Coetzee’s technical ability, football intelligence, and versatility. “He is a very intelligent player. Technically, he is unbelievable. He uses both left and right. The greatest reader of the game I have worked with. He might look like a slower player from a distance, but he is the fastest in terms of anticipation. He sees things early, which makes everything look easy with Rivaldo.”

Mngqithi joined Arrows towards the end of last season on a short-term contract. His agent Mike Makaab previously confirmed that the contract expired in June, and Mngqithi did not disclose if he had signed an extension. However, he expressed optimism about the season ahead, citing promising squad changes.

“I am ready to help the club get back to where it was or better. We have a good bunch of youngsters from all over and some experienced players we have signed who I think will set the stage alight,” he said.

Golden Arrows open their new campaign this weekend against Siwelele FC at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium.