Mamelodi Sundowns Release Rivaldo Coetzee and Sipho Mbule

Mamelodi Sundowns have officially parted ways with Rivaldo Coetzee and Sipho Mbule, both departing as free agents after the club decided against renewing their contracts.

Agent Confirms Departures

The players’ agent, Mike Makaab, confirmed the exit of the duo earlier this week. Speaking to Gagasi FM, Makaab revealed that while Sundowns exercised their options on several players they represent, Coetzee and Mbule were not among them. As a result, the two are now available to sign with any team.

Limited Roles at Chloorkop

Mbule spent the recent season out on loan at Sekhukhune United, where he hoped to get more regular playing time. However, his future at Sundowns remained uncertain throughout the campaign. With no contract extension on the table, his spell with the Brazilians has now officially ended.

Rivaldo Coetzee, meanwhile, featured only eight times in all competitions during the 2023/24 season. Once considered one of the brightest young talents in the country — even earning a Bafana Bafana call-up and coming close to a move to Celtic in Scotland — Coetzee’s career at Chloorkop was blighted by recurring injury setbacks.

Changing Roles and Squad Competition

In recent years, Coetzee had been utilised more in midfield rather than his traditional centre-back role. That switch offered him a brief reprieve, but competition within the Sundowns squad intensified. The January arrival of Jayden Adams further reduced Coetzee’s chances of regular involvement, making his departure almost inevitable.

Room for a Fresh Start

Now 28, Coetzee will be looking to reboot his career away from the demands of the country’s top club. Having once been a pivotal figure at Ajax Cape Town, he will likely attract interest from teams hoping to reignite his talent if he can remain fit.

As for Mbule, the 26-year-old midfielder is also expected to have suitors. Known for his technical ability and creativity, he will hope for a fresh opportunity to prove his worth at a club where he can feature consistently.

Both Players Open to New Opportunities

“With regards to the players who didn’t have their options taken up, those include Sipho Mbule and Rivaldo Coetzee,” Makaab said. “As of the first of June, both are free to sign with a club of their choice.”

Mamelodi Sundowns Moving Forward

Sundowns’ decision to let go of Coetzee and Mbule signals the club’s intent to continue reshaping their squad. With ambitions to maintain their domestic dominance and push further in continental competitions, the Brazilians are clearly focused on refreshing their roster.

Their departure also frees up space for new additions and emerging talent to step into more prominent roles. While it’s the end of the road at Chloorkop for Mbule and Coetzee, it could mark the beginning of a vital new chapter in both their careers.

Also read: 10 Mamelodi Sundowns Players Likely To Leave Ahead of New Season