Cupido’s Downs journey: From holiday dreams to automatic starter

KEANU Cupido thought he'd be flying out to the United States for an all-expenses paid holiday when he made Mamelodi Sundowns’ final squad for the Fifa Club World Cup.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

But rather than finding himself soaking up the sunshine of Florida, Cupido became an integral part of coach Miguel Cardoso’s plans. The Portugal-born coach surprisingly drafted Cupido into the starting lineup from the onset, and ended up starting the next two group matches too.

Cupido, speaking on the sidelines of the MTN8 launch this week ahead of their quarterfinal tie at home to Richards Bay Sunday, admitted he was shocked after getting the nod to start.

“It's not about (walking) straight into the team. It's been about working behind the scenes. So, it’s just hard work that paid off,” the central defender explained.

“It did surprise me (to get the nod), because I hadn't played for a while. So, I thought going to a major tournament like this would be a holiday for me, but God works in mysterious ways.”

Cupido is understandably surprised. Breaking into the star-studded Sundowns team is not easy, and no coach wants to tamper with his defensive organisation.