A New Era for Keanu Cupido at Mamelodi Sundowns

Author: John Aliu

Keanu Cupido’s move to Mamelodi Sundowns marks a significant and full-circle moment in his career, offering him the opportunity to join one of South Africa’s most successful football Clubs.

As a battle-tested professional, he brings experience, resilience and a relentless drive to improve. For Cupido, it is not just about the prestige but about contributing to a team with a culture of excellence that he has always admired.

“Joining Mamelodi Sundowns means a lot to me. It is an amazing chance to be part of one of the most consistent and successful football Clubs in South Africa and Africa as a whole. Sundowns has a culture of excellence and a special way of playing that I admire. I am eager to help continue this legacy. Being part of such a well-respected team not only pushes me to improve my skills but also inspires me to aim for excellence,” Cupido shared with the Digital Magazine crew.

Stepping into Chloorkop for the first time was an experience he will never forget.
“The facilities at Chloorkop are incredible, reflecting the high standards of Mamelodi Sundowns. Everything here is designed to help players perform at their best, from the training grounds to the recovery areas. It is easy to see why the team is so dominant.”

But beyond the infrastructure, it was the people who made the biggest impact on him. “I was overwhelmed by the warm welcome I received from the coaches and my new teammates. The Coaches have been incredibly supportive, showing a genuine commitment to developing my potential and my teammates were very welcoming. That kind of environment makes all the difference when you are stepping into a new club.”

Now, as he prepares for the upcoming season, Cupido is fully aware of the responsibility that comes with wearing the Mamelodi Sundowns badge. The expectations are high, but he is ready to meet them head-on.

“My personal goal and focus for the upcoming season is on contributing to the team’s success while continuing to grow as a player. This includes delivering consistent performances, maintaining a high standard in every game and making smart decisions on the field. I aim to improve my defensive skills, such as tackling, interceptions and positioning, to strengthen my overall game. Additionally, I want to play a key role in securing clean sheets by helping build a solid defense. I know that at a Club like Sundowns, every game matters, every competition matters, and I want to make sure I do my part in keeping the team strong at the back.”

Having played against Sundowns numerous times during his time with Cape Town City, Cupido knows firsthand just how challenging it is to face the Brazilians. There is one player in particular who always stood out to him.

“I always found Peter Shalulile to be a particularly difficult opponent. His impressive goal-scoring record speaks for itself and as a defender, trying to shut down someone with his nose for a goal was always a key focus for me. His movement, his awareness and his ability to find the back of the net make him one of the toughest forwards to deal with. Now, instead of trying to stop him, I get to be on the same side as him, and I am excited about that.”

Cupido brings his unique qualities to the squad, knowing that competition at Sundowns is fierce. “Every player here brings something special to the team. I do recognize the high level of competition and I believe my dedication to continuous improvement, combined with my versatility as a defender, sets me apart. I can adapt to different positions when needed and I take pride in my ability to read the game well, stay composed and contribute both defensively and in build-up play.”

Football has been part of Cupido’s life from a very young age, and he credits his father for sparking his love for the game. “My biggest inspiration to play football has always been my dad. From the age of four, he introduced me to the game, nurtured my passion and instilled in me a love for the sport that has stayed with me ever since. He made sure I understood the game, worked hard and never took anything for granted. Without him, I would not be here today.”

Beyond Football: The Man Behind the Defender

While Cupido is all business on the pitch, off it, he has a fun and adventurous side. Here are some quick facts that fans might not know about the new Sundowns defender:

Hidden Talent:

He’s got skills in the kitchen and makes a mean pasta dish. Maybe a team dinner is in order?

Biggest Adventure:

Marriage and fatherhood. “It’s a journey that has taught me about teamwork, sacrifice and love,” he says.

Favorite Sports Team (Outside Football):

The South African Rugby Team—he admires their passion and work ethic.
Favorite Quote: “The harder you work for something, the greater the feeling when you achieve it.”

Hobbies:

Spending quality time with his family, which he says keeps him grounded and inspired.

Dream Meet-Up:

He would love to spend a day with the legendary Thiago Silva, playing Padel and sharing a meal while picking the legend’s brain.

Movie & Series Buff:

While he enjoys action movies, he’s more into series—his favorites being Suidooster and The Night Agent.

Playing Style in One Word:

“Versatile.” He takes pride in his ability to adapt to different defensive roles and contribute to the team’s tactical setup.

Keanu Cupido made a solid start to his Sundowns career, coming on as a second-half substitute in the Nedbank Cup against Mpheni Home Defenders and playing his part in a 2-0 win that sealed a spot in the quarterfinals.

It was a glimpse of what he brings to the team—composure, defensive stability and a hunger to contribute. As he continues to settle in, Cupido is ready to embrace every challenge, grow alongside his teammates and play his part in Sundowns’ pursuit of more silverware.

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