Why Sundowns Could Risk Cupido

Mamelodi Sundowns could take a risk for the CAF Champions League final, and their recent performances could have a lot to do with it.

Sundowns go into this weekend's CAF Champions League first leg final against AS FAR on the back of some horrible displays in defence and that could force head coach Miguel Cardoso into taking a risk.

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Defender Keanu Cupido has been seen in social media content training with the first team at Chloorkop after initial reports suggested that he would be out for the rest of the season when he was stretchered off in a Betway Premiership clash against Kaizer Chiefs last week.

Cupido was a victim of a dangerous challenge from Amakhosi Siphesihle Ndlovu's high flying challenge and, at the time, Cardoso revealed that the defender's arm was broken. Despite what Cardoso said, Cupido was seen in training pictures this week and the technical team has to make the big decision of whether or not to include him in the team.

There are a few reasons why Cardoso could consider including the former Cape Town City defender in the starting line-up. Grant Kekana is due to serve a suspension for the first leg, meaning the options Cardoso would have for the final are Kegan Johannes and Khulumani Ndamane.

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Johannes has only played 12 minutes of football in the Champions League, while Ndamane has not been at his best recently. It's for this reason Cardoso could take the risk of playing Cupido in the final, to ensure he has an experienced centre back who can contain the AS FAR attackers.

After conceding seven goals in their last two Premiership matches, in the absence of Cupido, Sundowns could take the chance of playing the defender, but would it be a risk? Only time will tell.