Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates set to battle for Cape Town City star Keanu Cupido.

Cupido has emerged as some of the thrilling centre-backs in South African soccer. Known for his skill to learn the sport and extinguish threats with precision, Cupido’s composure and imaginative and prescient enable him to provoke assaults from the again with pinpoint passing. These qualities have made him indispensable to Cape Town City, the place he’s already logged 13 appearances this season throughout all competitions.

Despite his constant type over the previous three seasons, Cupido has been conspicuously neglected by Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos. The 26-year-old has represented South Africa at the U17 level and holds two senior team caps, one earned during the 2024 COSAFA Cup. However, he was omitted from preliminary squads for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2025 AFCON qualifiers, leaving followers and pundits baffled.

Kaizer Chiefs’ struggles in defence are no secret, having conceded 12 goals in just eight matches this season. The group’s new coach, Nasreddine Nabi, has emphasised the necessity for defensive stability to execute his sport plan successfully. Cupido’s twin skill to defend solidly and contribute to assaults makes him a really perfect match for Chiefs as they purpose to rebuild their backline and return to successful methods.

Pirates eye depth to dominate on all fronts

Orlando Pirates, however, are thriving below coach Jose Riveiro however acknowledge the necessity for reinforcements. With their sights set on the CAF Champions League and domestic trophies, depth is critical. Cupido’s ability set aligns completely with Riveiro’s enticing, high-tempo taking part in type. Adding a participant of his calibre may bolster their squad and maintain their ambitions throughout a number of competitions.

Contract twist: What may affect Cupido’s subsequent transfer

According to an inside supply, each Chiefs and Pirates are carefully monitoring Cupido’s state of affairs. His contract with Cape Town City runs till June 2026, leaving the membership in a powerful negotiating place.

“Chiefs and Pirates are monitoring Cupido’s situation at City,” the supply revealed to The South African.

“After this season, he’ll have one year left. John [Comitis] won’t let him leave cheaply. We saw how he handled Khanyisa Mayo’s situation. Comitis prefers selling to overseas clubs but, with the right offer, anything can happen.”

Both golf equipment should act decisively and meet Cape Town City’s valuation to safe Cupido’s providers. His potential transfer couldn’t solely resolve Chiefs’ defensive points but additionally solidify Pirates’ quest for dominance. With the stakes this excessive, the battle for Keanu Cupido guarantees to be some of the intriguing switch sagas in South African soccer.

Stay tuned with The South African as Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates battle for Cape Town City defensive star.

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