Cape Town - On the eve of signing with Mamelodi Sundowns, Rivaldo Coetzee nearly faced a night behind bars after he was arrested for speeding at 198km/h in Cape Town.
Mamelodi Sundowns claim the 20-year-old soccer player had been rushing to the Goodwood Police Station to certify documents when he was flagged down by a traffic cop in the vicinity of Goodwood on Thursday night at 21h55 on the N1 highway.
Coetzee then apparently convinced cops to take him to the police station for his documents which had to be certified for his new contract and was released out on a warning to be in court on Friday.
It is also unclear which vehicle Coetzee had been driving at the time of his arrest.
Coetzee made a brief appearance at the Goodwood Magistrate’s Court on Friday and was charged for excessive speeding.
Eric Ntabazalila, the Regional Communications Manager for the National Prosecuting Authority confirms the case: “Please note that the the charges against the accused were not withdrawn.
“He appeared in court and the case was postponed to 5th September 2017. The accused intends to make representations to the DPP (Directorate for Public Prosecutions).”
Traffic Chief Kenny Africa told the Daily Voice they could not comment on the case and said it was a municipality matter.
Mamelodi Sundowns spokesperson, Thulani Thuswa explained the player had been rushing to certify his documents and confirmed that he had now signed with them.
“We are aware of the incident as the player’s agency contacted us. The player was on his way to certify papers at the police station. He is now with Sundowns and we will support him.”
Coetzee, who is a former Bafana Bafana centre back signed with Sundowns after joining Ajax Cape Town and met his deadline despite the police and court drama.
He was due to sign for Scottish giants Glasgow Celtic last weekend but saw the move fall through after he failed a medical at Celtic Park.