Forget the strikers, Bafana Bafana's real World Cup answer is Keanu Cupido

With Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos set to name his final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on May 27 at the Union Buildings, the burning question on every sports Whatsapp group is who is going to make the cut? 

The debate, of course, centres around the striking options with Lyle Foster’s struggles at Burnley in the English Premiership. 

Pirates duo Evidence Makgopa and Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi are heading the queue along with Mamelodi Sundowns’ frontman Iqraam Rayners. 

Equally, the back-up to Bafana No 1 Ronwen Williams has created heated debate. Sekhukhune United’s Renaldo Leaner and Siwelele FC’s Ricardo Goss have virtually played their way out of the squad with their domestic performances recently, which has potentially paved the way for Pirates’ Sipho Chiane and Kaizer Chiefs’ Brandon Petersen to board the plane to Mexico and the US.

But for me, the real debate surrounds the sudden crisis at the back that has forced a defensive rethink.

News out of Romania this week confirmed that former Chiefs defender Siyabonga Ngezana will miss the tournament due to ongoing fitness issues. Although Ngezana returned to action this past weekend in the Romanian Super Liga, he has likely left it too late to convince Broos that he is ready for the high intensity of a Fifa World Cup.

Broos has in the past called on the experience of Sundowns’ hard-man Grant Kekana, but of late has overlooked the 33-year-old veteran. 

Personally, I believe Broos should be monitoring Kekana’s Masandawana centre-back partner Keanu Cupido.

The 28-year-old has been outstanding since starring in the Fifa Club World Cup for Sundowns in the US prior to the start of the domestic season. Despite coming in from the cold, the former Cape Town City stalwart showed that he could keep the best attackers in the world at bay with commanding displays at the heart of Sundowns’ defence.

He has since continued that form in the Betway Premiership, whilst also being an integral part of Sundowns’ run to the CAF Champions League final, where his aerial presence and physical grit was on display particularly away from home. 

Often the most valued individuals are only appreciated when they are gone. So, when Cupido suffered a near season-ending injury against Kaizer Chiefs, Sundowns’ entire Premiership campaign virtually went up in smoke as they conceded seven goals in his two-game absence.

Cupido made a miraculous comeback in the CAF Champions League first-leg final delivering a masterclass in the 1-0 first-leg victory over AS FAR Rabat wasn't just a good performance; it was a statement of international readiness. 

Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso certainly values Cupido’s impact and has sent a clear message to Bafana’s Belgian tactician. 

Cupido has earned his stripes, dominated the continent, and possesses the exact profile required to step onto the biggest stage in world football. 

When Broos steps up to the podium in Pretoria next Wednesday, Cupido’s name shouldn't just be an option—it should be a guarantee.