“Deeply Honored” — Cupido Breaks Silence On His Sudden Bafana World Cup Lifeline
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Keanu Cupido says it would be a profound honor to represent Bafana Bafana at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, capping off a remarkable domestic renaissance.
Cupido has frequently found himself overlooked by national team head coach Hugo Broos during previous selection windows.
However, the 28-year-old centre-back has emerged as one of the Brazilians’ standout, most consistent performers throughout this grueling campaign.
Despite his stellar club form, securing a plane ticket remains a massive hurdle. Cupido faces fierce competition for a spot in central defense, battling the likes of Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Siyabonga Ngezana, and Nkosinathi Sibisi, alongside his own elite Sundowns teammates, Khulumane Ndamane and Grant Kekana.
Broos is scheduled to announce his final 26-man tournament roster next week. Bafana Bafana will play a final warm-up match against Nicaragua at the Orlando Amstel Arena before departing for the global showpiece, jointly hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
“It’s up to the coach to choose the team, and if I do get a chance, I will be honoured,” said Cupido, who helped Sundowns beat AS FAR 1-0 in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium over the weekend.
“If I don’t, I will still be very happy for the other guys going to the World Cup. As a country, we have a lot of talent, and if I do get an opportunity, I’ll be very honoured to represent the national team.”
The elegant defender also reflected on his past heartbreak with the South African under-17 side in Chile in 2015, where a devastating injury completely barred him from playing a single minute at the youth World Cup.
“It almost happened again, where I nearly got injured before the World Cup as well,” said Cupido.
“So I’m just grateful to be back on the field, and I have to thank Bra Shakes Mashaba. The Almighty and the doctors in the team really helped me during these past few days. They have truly shown up for me.”
Before turning his attention to international duty, Cupido’s immediate priority is securing his first continental crown as Sundowns travel to Morocco for the high-stakes second leg against AS FAR.
