Sekhukhune United head coach Eric Tinkler has showered Rivaldo Coetzee with praise following his debut performance for the club.

Coetzee joined the club as a free agent after parting ways with Mamelodi Sundowns at the end of last season.

The 29-year-old left Sundowns after scoring two goals and registering six assists in 133 appearances in his eight years at the club.

Coetzee returned to the field after an 18-month injury layoff when he played the final 45 minutes in Sekhukhune’s 1-0 win over Magesi FC on Saturday.

Tinkler praised the versatility of Coetzee and his overall performance on his debut for the club.

“That’s the beauty of Rivaldo. He can play as a central defender, he can play as a holding midfielder,” Tinkler said as per SuperSport.

“Those are the two positions where his strength lies. His vision from those positions is very good, and I think, for now, centre-back is where I would put him.

“I think it will be a little bit too early to throw him into midfield. I played there, and there is a lot of pressure and very high intensity. So gradually, but he can do both.

“Every single pass he made went to a player, and that’s the quality that he possesses. He reads the game very well and understands the game. His communication with his teammates is very good. He’s come through a lot and did well.”