CAF Champions League: Cupido embraces Sundowns leadership role after Kekana blow

Mamelodi Sundowns will head into a defining CAF Champions League semifinal second leg without one of their most trusted defensive figures, but Keanu Cupido has made it clear he is prepared to shoulder the responsibility in Grant Kekana’s absence.

Kekana’s sending-off in the first leg against Esperance Tunis has forced a reshuffle at the back for the Pretoria side ahead of Saturday’s return fixture at Loftus Versfeld.

The suspension elevates Cupido, 28, into the role of senior centre-back, tasked with marshalling either Khulumani Ndamane or Kegan Johannes, both of whom are relatively inexperienced at this stage of the competition.

Rather than viewing the situation as a setback, Cupido has embraced the leadership demands that now come with his place in the starting lineup.

With Sundowns chasing a place in the final, his role extends beyond defensive duties to guiding younger teammates through the pressure of a high-stakes continental encounter.

“It’s a big blow,” he said. “Grant has had the experience for years now. He helped us a lot.

“We also have Ndamane, a very young and good player. Kegan is there too. We know they can fill Grant’s shoes, but also leading into that, they will need my help because they are not experienced at this stage of the tournament.”

Sundowns’ defensive depth has been tested throughout the campaign, but Cupido believes the rotation policy has quietly prepared the squad for moments like this.

Both Ndamane and Johannes have been given opportunities during the season, and the upcoming clash presents another chance for one of them to step into a defining role.

“We know it is not going to be an easy game … We feel like we have one foot in but we also know it is not easy. We have to work hard as a team and we should not think about the previous game. It’s a new game for us, so we want to win this [second leg] match”

Beyond the immediate task, Sundowns carry the weight of recent continental disappointment. Their narrow 3-2 aggregate defeat to Pyramids FC in last season’s final remains a lingering motivation within the squad, sharpening their focus as they aim to reclaim the title for the first time since 2016.

Cupido acknowledged that experience as a turning point in their current campaign, emphasising the importance of growth and mental resilience in knockout football.

“I think it’s very big for any player in the country to win the Champions League. Everyone dreams of winning that, and playing for a big club like Sundowns presents a big opportunity for everyone to show our quality.

“Last season we were very close. This season we have another opportunity. We learnt from last season going into this semifinal as well.”