'I am in my p***', says Sundowns warrior Keanu Cupido after earning legendary status in Rabat

South African football fans have taken to social media, calling for Mamelodi Sundowns’ heroic central defender Keanu Cupido to be included in Bafana Bafana’s Fifa World Cup squad, set to be announced at the Union Buildings on Thursday.

Cupido, 28, is not part of coach Hugo Broos’s preliminary 32-man squad announced last week.

But this has now caused a huge outcry, especially after Cupido delivered yet another outstanding performance at the heart of Sundowns’ defence in the CAF Champions League final second leg against Moroccan side AS FAR in Rabat on Sunday.

The former Cape Town City star was a pillar of strength in the hostile atmosphere of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, helping Sundowns achieve a 1–1 draw and a 2–1 overall victory on aggregate.

Even more impressive was the fact that Cupido had played both legs of the final with an injured shoulder after suffering a near-season-ending injury earlier this month against Kaizer Chiefs.

He revealed after the first-leg victory in Pretoria last week that he needed to take painkillers to get through his comeback match.

However, the pain was particularly severe in Rabat, with Cupido in visible discomfort — especially after another courageous tackle, when he told one of his Sundowns teammates: “I am in my p***, my bro.”

This level of commitment has only further endeared him to football fans around the country.

Cupido has previously stated that his Bafana call-up is not in his hands and that he will take everything in his stride.

“It’s up to the coach [Hugo Broos] to choose the team,” Cupido said. “You know, as a country, there is a lot of talent.

“If I do get chosen, I’ll really be honoured to represent the national team, and if I don’t, I’ll be happy for the other guys that are going to the World Cup.”