Mamelodi Sundowns have bolstered their defensive ranks with the signing of Keanu Cupido from Cape Town City.
The move has been hailed by many as a shrewd acquisition, with pundits and former coaches alike praising Cupido’s suitability for the Brazilians’ style of play.
Diogo Peral, former assistant coach at Cape Town City, believes Cupido is tailor-made for Sundowns’ front-foot, possession-based football.
Speaking on the Soccer Beat Podcast (as reported by FARPost), Peral emphasized Cupido’s exceptional passing range, his ability to break lines, and his comfort in carrying the ball into midfield.
“I don’t think you can find too many defenders in the PSL that can play out from the back like Keanu does,” Peral stated.
Beyond his offensive contributions, Peral highlighted Cupido’s defensive attributes, noting his speed, which makes him well-suited to playing a high defensive line.
He also praised Cupido’s ability to step out of the backline to press and intercept, a crucial skill for Sundowns’ tactical approach. Peral concluded by saying that Cupido is a good human being and will be missed by Cape Town City.
Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns’ recent performances, including a 3-0 victory over SuperSport United and a 4-1 demolition of Orlando Pirates, have showcased the brilliance of new signing Lucas Ribeiro.
His teammate, Ronwen Williams, has lauded the Brazilian’s impact, describing him as “special” and praising his willingness to learn.
Williams acknowledged Ribeiro’s natural flair but also pointed out the demands placed upon him by the coaching staff and his teammates, particularly regarding counter-pressing.
“There are a lot of things the coach and players want for him to do – especially the counter-press, and we always fight with him to do it,” Williams commented.
He emphasized the importance of Ribeiro maintaining humility, calmness, and consistency, qualities he has demonstrated since arriving in South Africa.
