Sundowns’ Keanu Cupido thanks Cardoso for FIFA Club World Cup opportunity

Photo Credit – Mamelodi Sundowns.

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Keanu Cupido has expressed his gratitude to manager Miguel Cardoso after earning a rare start at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the USA.

The 27-year-old started for the South African champions in their Group F opening victory over Ulsan HD in Orlando, Florida, on Wednesday. Iqraam Rayners scored the winning goal as Sundowns bagged three points to take control of Group F.

Despite getting the opportunity to play and help the side keep a clean sheet, Cupido is fully aware that no one is guaranteed a regular starting place under Cardoso.

“It’s not like a walk in the park at Sundowns, you need to work hard, you need to be ready, and you need to be ready when they call you. I think I was ready when he [Miguel Cardoso] called me,” Cupido said after the game, as quoted by SABC Sports.

“For me, I feel like it’s been tough, but I think God’s timing is always perfect. So, I think today I took it with both hands and I felt proud of myself. I think I have to give back to people that trusted in me.

“I want to thank each and every one, my wife as well, she’s been very supportive. It’s been tough not playing and today I feel like I made a lot of people proud and I’m grateful for the opportunity,” continued Cupido.

On his partnership with Grant Kekana in Sundowns’ defensive line, he said: “We’ve been working together with me and Grant. It hasn’t been every day that Grant and I work together, but I feel like we understand each other. We are similar in terms of play, the way we read the game as well.

“So, I think it’s just a partnership that works and not only with Grant, I have partnerships with Mothobi [Mvala], with Mosa [Lebusa], I’ve been around and I’ve played with every one of them. I feel like I can work with anyone.”