Watch out, Pumas! Western Province's midfield maverick, Gino Cupido, is carving out a reputation as a game-changer, even as his team struggles in this year's Currie Cup. With zero wins under their belt, WP might be languishing at the bottom, but Cupido has been a silver lining, snatching the No 13 jersey and drawing comparisons to none other than Sonny Bill Williams from backline coach Dewaldt Duvenage.
"It’s a privilege. For me to play for a team I’ve always supported since I was young is amazing. We’re learning every week and for me, it’s just learning something new every game that’ll help me in my career," Cupido explained, humbly acknowledging the weight of the blue-and-white hoops he dons each game.
"I just want to ensure that I don’t get my head in the clouds. To keep my feet on the ground."
Despite being used in various positions across the backline, Cupido admits his heart lies at centre, where he feels most at home wreaking havoc alongside players like Damian Markus. "I prefer playing at centre, but I play at wing or wherever the team needs me to play. I really enjoy playing next to Damian and some of the other young guys. We’re a lot of youngsters in the side and it actually gives me a lot of confidence," he added.
The youngster also taps into the wisdom of the more seasoned pros from the Stormers. "I’ve been chatting a lot to Ruan [Nel], asking him about defence and defensive reads and how I can improve my positioning. Playing centre is not just about attack – defence is also very important," Cupido shared, underscoring his commitment to developing a well-rounded game.
As he gears up for an imposing clash against the Pumas this Saturday, the man dubbed "Strand’s Sonny-Bill" is focused on growth, performance, and keeping his feet firmly planted on the ground. With his sights set on more than just fleeting glory, Cupido is a name to remember, transforming each challenge into a stepping stone towards greatness.