Mamelodi Sundowns have announced the signing of Cape Town City defender Keanu Cupido.

Cupido is Sundowns’ second acquisition during the January transfer window, following the signing of Jayden Adams from Stellenbosch FC.

The 27-year-old Johannesburg native departs Cape Town City after making 13 appearances in all competitions this season. He was absent from City’s Nedbank Cup round of 32 defeat to Sekhukhune United at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Monday.

Cupido’s position in City’s defense has been filled by the return of Nathan Fasika, who has partnered with Lorenzo Gordinho since interim coach Muhsin Ertugral took over earlier this month. Cupido’s last game for City was a 1-0 loss to AmaZulu in December, a match that ultimately led to the dismissal of then-coach Eric Tinkler.  

Cupido joined Cape Town City from AC Ajaccio’s reserve team in France before the 2018/19 season. He won the MTN8 trophy in his debut season under coach Benni McCarthy. He was also a runner-up in the same competition in the 2021/22 season, as well as in the league that same year—both times against his new club, Sundowns.

During his time at City, Cupido played in 143 matches, scoring one goal and providing three assists. He joins a growing list of players who have moved from Cape Town City to Mamelodi Sundowns, including Terrence Mashego, Kermit Erasmus, Bradley Ralani, Lyle Lakay, and Aubrey Ngoma.