Mamelodi Sundowns defender Keanu Cupido says reaching the CAF Champions League final represents a massive opportunity for every player in the squad, as Masandawana prepare for the second leg semi-final against Esperance Sportive de Tunis at Loftus Versfeld.
With Sundowns holding a 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Rades, the mood in the camp is one of belief – and Cupido has made clear just how much this moment means to the players representing one of Africa’s biggest clubs.
“I think it’s very big for any player in the country to win the Champions League, everyone dreams of winning the Champions League and playing for a big team like Sundowns, it’s a really huge opportunity for each and every one of us,” Cupido said.
The centre-back also pointed to the added dimension of individual stakes within the collective pursuit, noting that the run to the final gives players a stage to prove themselves at the highest level of African club football.
“It’s actually a chance for everyone to show our qualities also, and last season we were very close, this season we have another opportunity and we learn from last season going into this second leg semi-final as well.”
Sundowns were beaten finalists in last season’s Champions League, falling just short of continental glory against Pyramids, and Cupido believes those lessons have shaped the squad’s mentality heading into this campaign’s decisive stages.
Asked about the differences between this season’s run and last year’s campaign, the defender was candid in his assessment – pointing not to tactical shifts, but to something deeper within the group.
“I don’t think there’s much of a difference [between last season], we started bad last season as well – but as a team we’re growing together, we starting to believe it’s possible and I don’t think there’s much difference,” he said.
“It’s just the self belief in the players, the coach gives us belief as well, to know that we can reach the final again.”
The 28-year-old also spoke about the unique pressures that come with wearing the Sundowns badge, and how acclimatising to those demands ultimately makes a player better.
“Coming to Sundowns there’s lots of pressure. It’s a big team that wants to win everything, so once you get used to that as quickly as possible it becomes easier because you’re playing with very good players who help you a lot, inside and outside the field – it’s about growing together as a team and growing into the team.”
Sundowns host Taraji on Saturday afternoon in the capital city, Tshwane at 15h00.
