Following a surprise inclusion in the starting XI in what will rank as the biggest match of his career yet, Keanu Cupido has summarized the experience of turning out against Ulsan HD in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Sundowns enjoyed a perfect start to their Club World Cup campaign in the United States, registering a 1-0 victory over South Korean side Ulsan on Wednesday midnight (SA time).
A first-half solitary goal from Iqraam Rayners was enough to hand them all three points and sees Miguel Cardoso's men now top Group F, after Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense played to a goalless draw earlier.
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The match also marked a second start for Cupido, who joined from Cape Town City in January. That he was not even on the bench in both legs of the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC made his inclusion more shocking.
His only other start since his arrival at Chloorkop was in an MTN8 quarterfinal clash against Sekhukhune United on March 28.
Speaking to media in the mixed zone after the win against Ulsan, Cupido was blunt about how difficult it is to earn a spot in the Sundowns starting XI.
"It's not like a walk in a park at Sundowns, you need to work hard, you need to be ready. You need to be ready when they call you. I think I was ready when they called me today," shared the centre-back.
"I showed it during the friendly as well, I showed it (that) I've been ready and for me, I feel like it's been tough. But I think God's timing is always perfect.
"So, today I think I took it with both hands and I felt proud of myself and also I think I had to give back to the people that trusted in me."
The Brazilians return to action against German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund at TQL Stadium on Saturday at 18:00 (SA time).
Photo: Megan Briggs/Getty Images
