Mamelodi Sundowns defender Keanu Cupido has opened up on how he had to be mentally strong while waiting for his opportunity to play.
The former SA youth international joined the Betway Premiership Champions from Cape Town City FC during the January transfer window. But the 27-year-old has struggled to cement a regular starting position in the star-studded Sundowns side.
He made two league and one cup appearances before his impressive display during Sundowns’ first FIFA Club World Cup match against Ulsan HD on Wednesday. He played 85 minutes of the 1-0 win in a Group F match and was one of the standout performers during the game.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS DEFENDER CREDITS SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR HELPING HIM SETTLE
Cupido has admitted that although it was draining not to play, he was grateful for the support structure around him.
“I played a few games, coming on twice in the league, and I started a cup game,” Cupido told Journalists.
HOW KEANU CUPIDO MANAGED TO DEAL WITH A DRAINING SITUATION
“That was a short period, and after that, I felt like I hadn’t played for a while. Mentally, it’s a bit draining. I won’t lie to you. I also have a good support structure at home as well, and that helped me a lot. Going home to my wife and son made it a bit easier.
“But at training, I felt like I needed to work hard, and I needed to continue. I don’t need to put the blame on someone else, I need to show that I am ready when the opportunity comes,” he said.
“So I felt like mentally I had prepared myself as well for an opportunity like this, and when the opportunity came, I felt like I needed to show and repay them for the trust that they gave me.”
Mamelodi Sundowns will play Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund in their second group match at TQL Stadium in Ohio starting at 18:00.
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