Celtic recently secured their 4th signing of the summer in South Africa international Rivaldo Coetzee.
The 20-year-old defender arrived from Ajax Cape Town, and surprisingly, his switch was made possible by former Rangers midfielder Dean Furman – who captained then Gers Under-19 team to victory over Celtic in the Scottish Youth Cup final in 2007.
The 29-year-old currently captains SuperSport United, but used to be a pupil of Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers’ while the Northern Irishman was Chelsea’s Academy head youth coach.
Furman was contacted for advice on Rivaldo’s abilities once the club started to keep tabs on the young centre-back.
The South African and former Rangers reserve team player told Daily Record, “Celtic contacted me because I played under Brendan Rodgers. They wanted to ask me about Rivaldo.
“I believe he can handle the physical aspect of the league. He was thrown into the South Africa team at a young age and he was never out-muscled against the big guys in African football.
“I think he will adapt his game to the Scottish League. He will be working with one of the best coaches in Brendan Rodgers. I imagine his game will improve incredibly.”
Rivaldo’s talents and potential have already earned Rodgers’ praises even before putting on the Celtic shirt.
Following qualification for the Champions League group stage where they will now face Bayern Munich, PSG and Anderlecht in Group B, the manager enthused of the young centre-back’s talents, “He’s an outstanding young player that we think can help us. He’s obviously in his pre-season as well but it’s not just for the now, it’s for the longer term. He’s a player that can come straight in.
“He’s a full international player and he’s got great qualities, good defensive qualities and if we can get that done then it’ll be a very good signing for us.”
Rivaldo emerged as player and player’s player of the year for Ajax last season on the back of an impressive campaign at the back.
He has been capped a further 15 times for the Bafana Bafana of South Africa since making his debut as a 17-year-old.
It’d be hoped he helps provide additional steel, cover and competition to Celtic’s rearguard as the Hoops try to defend their local treble and go one better in the Champions League in 2017-18.
