Latest news with #Coetzee
The South African
8 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs urged to snap up Rivaldo Coetzee after Downs exit
Kaizer Chiefs have emerged as a potential destination for Rivaldo Coetzee after he officially parted ways with Mamelodi Sundowns. The talented 28-year-old defender-turned-midfielder left the Brazilians following the expiry of his contract on 30 June 2025, ending a successful seven-year spell with the Tshwane giants. Having joined Sundowns from Ajax Cape Town in 2018, Coetzee made over 130 appearances in all competitions and played a vital role in securing multiple trophies, including the prestigious 2023 African Football League title. Despite his contributions, recurring injuries plagued his recent seasons and limited his impact on the pitch. Coetzee departed Sundowns alongside several other notable names, including Thabang Sibanyoni, Sipho Mbule, Sanele Tshabalala, Lebohang Maboe, Lucas Suárez, and Sifiso Ngobeni. While Mbule and Sibanyoni have already secured moves to Orlando Pirates and Durban City FC respectively, Coetzee remains a free agent, but not without admirers. With Kaizer Chiefs actively searching for a commanding midfielder, the opportunity to sign Coetzee on a free transfer seems almost too good to ignore. His versatility, experience, and pedigree at the highest level of African football make him an enticing option – especially with the club looking to bolster their ranks under new leadership. Prosport International CEO and Coetzee's agent, Mike Makaab, provided a promising update on the player's condition and market status. 'I think the first thing you need to remember is that Rivaldo left Sundowns with an injury, but he has made big progress and he should be ready by August,' Makaab said, as per FARPost . 'There is interest in the player, but at the moment, nothing has been official. We hope that we will find a club for him sooner rather than later.' This development could suit Kaizer Chiefs perfectly. With Coetzee's expected return in August aligning with the start of the new Betway Premiership season, the Glamour Boys have a golden opportunity to strengthen their midfield without spending on transfer fees. Coetzee's availability presents a low-risk, high-reward scenario for Chiefs. Despite his injury setbacks, his quality and experience could provide the balance the midfield desperately needs. A performance-based deal might just be the solution, and with Makaab confirming he's nearly ready to return, time is of the essence. The question remains, will Kaizer Chiefs act fast enough to secure the services of a seasoned Bafana Bafana international before rivals swoop in? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
a day ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Can you really afford another emergency?
The past five years showed South African consumers that an emergency can happen at any time and that it could happen to each one of us. Emergency funds are top of mind for many consumers since the implementation of the two-pot retirement system in September last year, as the system was designed to give consumers a little access to their retirement savings in the case of emergencies. Christiaan Coetzee, CEO of FinFix, says South Africans are under growing financial pressure, with households increasingly running out of money before month-end. 'Savings remain low, with consumers saying they would not be able to cover an emergency expense of R10 000 without borrowing or selling something. 'These sobering realities highlight one key financial truth: without an emergency fund, many consumers are one crisis away from economic freefall. Whether it is a medical emergency, job loss, or an unexpected car repair, financial disruptions are inevitable. The real question is: How prepared are you if a problem arises today? 'With South Africa's official unemployment rate at 32.9% and inflation eating into disposable incomes, even a minor financial disruption can trigger a downward spiral of debt, defaults, or worse, total financial collapse.' Coetzee points out that emergency funds serve as a financial shock absorber, providing peace of mind and preventing the need to turn to high-interest debt or predatory lenders in times of crisis. ALSO READ: Here's why you need an emergency fund – and it's not to buy new golf clubs How much should you save for an emergency? Coetzee says a common rule of thumb suggests that to be financially safe you should aim to set aside 3 to 6 months' worth of living expenses for emergency needs. These funds are intended to cover unexpected expenses or income disruptions. He says there are two primary reasons to dip into your emergency fund: spending shocks and income shocks. 'Spending shocks refer to relatively common, unanticipated expenses that might include costs such as unforeseen healthcare needs, home repairs, or other urgent, unplanned expenditures. To prepare for potential spending shocks, experts recommend saving at least half a month's worth of living expenses as a starting point. 'Income shocks occur less frequently but tend to have a more significant impact. These include situations such as sudden job loss or a substantial decline in income. To safeguard against income shocks, many financial experts advise maintaining enough money in your emergency fund to cover 3 to 6 months' worth of living expenses.' When should you use your emergency fund? Coetzee says deciding whether to use your emergency fund can be tricky. 'While it exists to provide financial relief during challenging times, it is crucial to use it wisely. ALSO READ: How to build your emergency financial safety net What constitutes a real emergency? To determine if a situation qualifies as a true emergency, he says you must ask yourself these questions: Is the expense unexpected? Is it necessary? Is it urgent? 'If the answer to all three questions is 'yes,' it may be appropriate to use a portion of your emergency fund. However, avoid dipping into your savings for non-essential or discretionary expenses, as this could undermine the purpose of the fund.' ALSO READ: Two-pot retirement system: rather set up a separate emergency fund How to start an emergency fund Coetzee says even if you live pay cheque to pay cheque, starting an emergency fund is still possible by:
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Kevin Lerena on a Wembley mission to become South Africa's next heavyweight champion
KNOCKOUT KEVIN Lerena, in a file photo against Serhiy Radchenko in Pretoria. Tonight he fights for a heavyweight belt against Britain's Lawrence Okolie at Wembley. | Alexius van der Westhuizen KEVIN Lerena steps into the ring for his second ever heavyweight title bout when he squares up to Englishman Lawrence Okolie at the Wembley Stadium tonight. South Africa's boxing darling – the WBC bridgerweight champion – will be looking to do better than he did against Daniel Dubois back in 2022 when he was sent crashing on his backside on the canvas in the third round, having himself sent his adversary to the deck on two occasions in the first round. Prior to his departure to London, Lerena oozed confidence and promised to knock Okolie out so he can bring home the WBC silver heavyweight title. It is a mammoth task but should he be successful, he will put his name on a very short list of South Africans who have held world heavyweight titles. Lerena could become only the third South African to become a world champion at the top weight and will be following in the footsteps of the late Gerrie Coetze and the man he grew up admiring, Corrie Sanders. GERRIE COETZEE The late 'Boksburg Bomber' remains a legend of the sport long after he'd departed. And rightly so, for Coetzee was a trailblazer – not only for South Africa but Africa by becoming the first man from the continent to win the world heavyweight title. Back in 1983, he smashed Michael Dokes – knocking the American out in the 10th round with some clinical punching that had the likes of me thinking we could take up boxing. It was a case of 'third-time lucky' for Coetzee who had twice tried but failed to become champion of the world. You are not a true boxing fan if you are not aware of his fight with John Tate at a packed Loftus Versfeld in October of 1979 for the WBA title which he lost on points after 15 rounds. A year later he squared up to Mike Waver at the Sun City Super Bowl for the same belt following Tate's failed maiden defence. He suffered a 13th round TKO. The excitement of his crowning through that stellar victory over Dokes did not last too long as Coetzee got dethroned in his maiden title defence. I remember waking up in the wee hours of the morning to watch him fight Greg Page and getting bitterly disappointed as he got knocked in the eighth round. CORRIE SANDERS Like Coetzee, Sanders has also died – the man they called The Sniper having been a victim of the country's senseless crime after being shot by robbers in Brits back in 2012. His crowning as WBA champion remains one of heavyweight boxing's biggest shocks to this day. No one – save for his camp perhaps – had expected him to beat champion Wladimir Klitschko when the two clashed in Hanover, Germany back in 2003. His talents notwithstanding, Sanders had been pretty idle before the fight for the WBO title – the southpaw having been in the ring only twice for a combined three rounds in the two years prior to the fight. But he got the go-ahead and boy did he take advantage of it. It took him just two rounds to send the champion's lights out – Sanders dropping Klitschko on four occasions. No wonder then that Klitschko said years later that Sanders was the hardest puncher he's ever encountered. 'I've been in boxing for 25 years and I never fought anybody in this game that punched like Corrie Sanders,' he told Ring Magazine. Sanders never got to defend the title though as he vacated it because of a conflict between his promoter and the WBA. He challenged for the vacant WBC title and got beat by the older brother of Wladimir – Vitali Klitschko who knocked him out in the eighth round. Can Kevin Lerena add his name alongside these two tonight by beating Okolie?
The Citizen
12-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Gerald Coetzee ‘excited' and ready to return for Proteas in T20 tri-series
Coetzee will form part of the frontline attack against Zimbabwe and New Zealand. Returning to international action after an eight-month injury hiatus, fast bowler Gerald Coetzee is confident he can produce his best in the T20 tri-series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand in Harare starting on Monday. Coetzee, who last played for the Proteas in November last year, said on Saturday he was fit and ready to hit his straps as part of the frontline attack. 'I'm feeling really good. I'm very happy to be back at the Proteas,' said the 24-year-old speedster. 'It's been a while and I've obviously been working towards that ever since I left, so I'm excited to go do my best.' Blend of youth and experience While four players in the 14-man squad will be hoping to make their T20 International debuts – Corbin Bosch, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Rubin Hermann and Senuran Muthusamy – the Proteas also have experienced players in the squad. With this balance, Coetzee believed the Proteas could not only win the tri-series but could go unbeaten throughout the two-week campaign. 'I think our expectation is to do well, to win every game. We've got a young side with some experience, so it's a great balance,' he said. 'It's definitely a building phase, but we have no doubt we can go five out of five, or at least win this tri-series.' Up against former coach The series will be Shukri Conrad's first assignment as head coach of the Proteas T20 team. And though the man he replaced at the helm, Rob Walter, will be in charge of New Zealand, Coetzee did not foresee any issues around the national squad going up against their former coach. 'In the landscape right now, you play under different coaches all the time, so I think seeing him (Walter) you just say 'hello'. We get on well and I'm happy for him to have a good job,' Coetzee said. South Africa will play at least four matches in the T20 International tri-series, starting with a clash against hosts Zimbabwe on Monday, and potentially a fifth if they reach the final to be held on 26 July.
IOL News
12-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Gerald Coetzee raring to go for the Proteas across all formats after 'a tough few months'
Proteas fast bowler Gerald Coetzee is back to full fitness and will be making a comeback in the T20I Tri-Series in Zimbabwe. Picture: Phill Magakoe/AFP Image: AFP Gerald Coetzee admits he suffered from 'FOMO' after missing the Proteas' World Test Championship Final success at Lord's and that he remains committed to playing all formats. The 24-year-old fast bowler has been plagued by various injuries over the past two years, and is set to embark on his latest comeback to the national team during the upcoming T20I Tri-Series against hosts Zimbabwe and New Zealand starting on Monday in Harare. Coetzee last played for Proteas back in November when he picked up 'a groin niggle" whilst bowling in the second innings of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Kingsmead. Scans later revealed that the damage was greater than initially expected with Coetzee being ruled out of the remainder of the home international summer. He returned to play a single match for the Joburg Super Kings during the SA20 before a left hamstring strain curtailed his participation in South Africa's premier domestic competition. There was renewed hope in February that Coetzee could return for the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, but after experiencing tightness in his groin while completing his 10 overs at the Centre of Excellence in Pretoria, the Proteas medical team ruled that the symptoms posed an increased risk of significant injury at a higher bowling load forcing the young tearaway to spend further time on the sidelines. Coetzee's road to recovery has since involved playing four matches in the IPL for Gujarat Titans back in April and now five successive matches for Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket the past month. The Proteas have already seen fellow injury-prone fast bowler Anrich Nortje opt out of Test cricket to preserve his fragile body for the white-ball formats, but Coetzee has adopted a philosophical approach and believes he still has plenty to offer in all formats of the game. 'I think what I do is for a living, being a fast bowler, I think I've come to understand what happens to us. And it has been a tough few months. But I'm not someone who stands out in that sense. 'I think if you look at the landscape of all the bowlers who bowl high 140s, you know, we all struggle with injuries occasionally. So it's been tough, but I understand the process. I understand what it requires,' Coetzee said. 'I love red ball cricket too much. And I also love one day cricket. I think T20 cricket is just what's most accessible to us. So that's usually when we get a chance to play something, it's been T20 cricket. 'But I love red ball cricket. All my goals I've set for myself are mostly red-ball cricket related. So I love it too much.' The Proteas' WTC Final success over Australia at Lord's certainly fuelled Coetzee's desire to get back into the Test side. 'I think anyone with a very competitive nature, you know, there was definitely FOMO, but I couldn't stop watching. I was so happy when we won,' he said. 'It was long overdue. I was very happy. You know, me not being there, I did have FOMO naturally.' Coetzee will most likely share the new-ball with fellow fast bowling returnee Nandre Burger, who has equally struggled with a lumbar stress fracture that limited his playing time for the Proteas. Burger has also begun his comeback trail via the MLC and will be eager to show that he is also fully recovered. The duo, of course, possess the X-factor of being able to bowl genuine quick which is a prize asset that needs to be treasured. Coetzee feels that despite their recent injury setbacks, neither will be holding back when they get the opportunity to be unleashed in the T20I Tri-Series. 'I think both of our nature is not to ease into anything,' he said. 'No, I think we're excited, man. We love cricket. 'We love playing for our country. And whenever we get an opportunity, it doesn't matter who the opposition is, you go out there and try and do your best. 'Like it's tough physically to bowl fast, but I love it. I enjoy it. And I do trust my body to keep doing that.'
