Keanu Cupido ready to marshal defence amid Kekana blow

Africa 16 April 2026 at 08:40

Hlayisani Magoro

News Editor

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Keanu Cupido is ready to step up in the heart of defence against Esperance de Tunis, with Grant Kekana ruled out of the tie.

The Brazilians, with a 1-0 advantage on aggregate, host the Tunisian giants in the return leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.

Miguel Cardoso's men will have to do without the reliable services of Kekana, who was shown a straight red card in the closing stages in Rades last Sunday.

While Cupido concedes the Bafana international's absence is a huge blow, he acknowledges he has to marshal the defence as one of the experienced centre-backs.

“It's a big blow, we know Grant has the experience for years now, he helped us a lot and also we have [Khulumani] Ndamane who's a very young good player, Keegan [Johannes] is also there as well,” said the Downs stalwart.

"So, we feel like we know that they can fill the shoes of Grant but also leading into that I think they need my help because they're not that experienced at that stage in the tournament.

"But we have been doing well rotating the centre-back, each one got their opportunity, I think they took it with both hands and now there's another opportunity for one of them to fill the spot.

Though the tie is far from over, Sundowns have one foot in the final as they continue their quest for a second title, having lost to Pyramids FC in the decider last season.