Mamelodi Sundowns' Keanu Cupido challenges for the ball against AS FAR's Youssef Alfahli during the CAF Champions League Final first-leg at the Loftus Versfeld stadium.
Image: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers
In the modern era of football, where superstars can often behave like prima donnas, it is easy to forget that there are still some salt-of-the-earth players ready to put their bodies on the line.
Think of the Terry Butchers, Jamie Carraghers, Lucas Radebes, and Mark Fishes of a bygone era, who literally shed blood for their respective teams.
Keanu Cupido can now be added to that list of bionic men after the Mamelodi Sundowns centre-back showed significant grit and character to recover from a nearly season-ending shoulder injury within a week, before being injected with painkillers to take his place in the heart of the Masandawana defence for the CAF Champions League Final first leg at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday.
“I had to take an injection, but anything for the badge,” Cupido revealed after Sundowns’ 1-0 victory over AS FAR.
“I'm just lucky to be back on the field. If the team needs me, I have to be there whenever they need me through pain or whatever, but I'm happy to be on the field again. It's my happy place also.”
Cupido’s return helped solidify a Sundowns defence that had leaked seven goals in just two Betway Premiership matches during his absence.
He not only marshalled the back four with his customary calmness but also put in decisive challenges in the 18-yard area and ensured the Brazilians controlled the aerial battle.
“They're a really good team. They play from the crosses, also set-pieces as well,” Cupido said.
“But also, as a team, we knew their strengths, and we worked on it in training, and we didn't give them the opportunity.”
The former Cape Town City stalwart is, however, well aware of the almighty challenge that awaits Sundowns in Rabat next Sunday if they are to return to Pretoria with a second star.
“Keeping a clean sheet was the most important thing for us,” Cupido said. “We know they are a very good team; when their supporters are behind them, when it’s a sold-out affair on that side, we know it’s going to be tough for us—but if we stand together as a unit..."
“We know when we play away, it's a different game. It's their own game, so we're not going to expect what they did here; they're going to do it that side as well.
“It's going to be more difficult for us, but as a team, we know if we're together, it's going to be easy.”