Coetzee: Menzo has improved my game

Cape Town - Ajax Cape Town defender Rivaldo Coetzee admits new head coach Stanley Menzo has changed his role within the team.

Coetzee's upturn in form has culminated in the Urban Warriors' rise up the table, and the Bafana Bafana defender says the Dutchman has urged him to play as a more complete ball-playing defender - that contributes to the team's attacking play.

While the 20-year-old admits it is something that is part of his game, he is keen to improve and feels the coach's directions have helped the side improve defensively too.

"Since the coach (Menzo) has come in, the mentality of the team has changed," he told IOL. "As a defender at the back, I can now also use the space ahead of me and travel into midfield.

"It's done to create an extra man in midfield and, in this way, catch the opposition off-guard.

"It's a part of my game I’ve always wanted to improve. So, I'm enjoying getting into midfield areas, getting more involved, and affecting the game in that way.

"It also allows me to link up with the attacking players in the team," Coetzee added.

"We are doing very well now, we are scoring goals and we are not conceding as many as we used to."

Ajax next welcome the dangerous Chippa United to the Cape Town Stadium where they will be looking for move into the top half of the PSL standings.

Kick off is at 19:30.