Cardoso backs Cupido for World Cup berth

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach, Miguel Cardoso, has backed defender Keanu Cupido to get a potential national team call up from Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Cardoso made the remarks after Cupido produced another solid performance on Sunday afternoon, this time against AS FAR Rabat of Morocco in the CAF Champions League final first leg.

The Sundowns coach heaped praise on the centre back after the match, even declaring Cupido as one of the best defenders in the country.

“Cupido is an international player, he can play for Bafana Bafana in any moment, he is a fantastic player,” he said.

Cupido responded to the praise with the same composure he showed on the pitch, refusing to lobby for selection and instead deferring to the national team coaching staff.

“It’s up to the coach to choose the team, if I do get chosen, I would be honoured, and if I don’t, I’d also be happy for the other guys that are going to the World Cup,” Cupido said. “As a country there’s a lot of talent, if I do get an opportunity, I’d be really honoured to represent the national team.”

Broos is set to name his World Cup squad next week Wednesday at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

Written by: Ntsako Mukhari