Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has given detail into the Keanu Cupido's delayed first appearance, which he finally made in the Nedbank Cup over the weekend.
Cupido made his debut for Sundowns on Sunday against Mphene Home Defenders, coming on as a second half substitute for the Tshwane giants as they sealed a 2-0 victory to progress to the quarter-finals.
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The Portuguese coach hinted that the former Cape Town City defender could be used in midfield when necessary because of how calm he usually is in possession of the ball.
"First of all, it's important to understand that when Cupido arrived at Sundowns he was injured. We worked very well with him. We knew that we had to hold a little bit before he could perform and still he is not 100 percent. I spoke with him a few days ago regarding 'how much time do you think you can play at a good level? What is comfortable to give you, as game time?...because I really wanted him to play," Cardoso said to media after the game
"What I saw, I liked, because I know what we got. He is a player who can help us playing as a midfielder, as a centre back. He is a calm player on the field, does not have any stress when he has the ball at his feet. I like players that have the ball and don't stress. For me, stress is when the opponent has the ball, not when we have the ball. He needs to grow still his condition and we will continue to work with him."
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Cupido could get another opportunity to play when Sundowns take on Marumo Gallants in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.
