Wits have successfully gained the services of UWC star playmaker Aidynn Cupido for the 2020 Varsity Cup season.
Cupido was instrumental in UWC’s two Varsity Shield title victories and eventual promotion to the Varsity Cup, but will now be plying his trade in the royal-blue jersey of Wits.
The former UWC captain has explained why he left his hometown for the City of Gold.
‘It’s never easy leaving a place you’ve lived your whole life, leaving family and friends and especially a girlfriend behind, isn’t easy but it had to be done in terms of individual growth. People also underestimate the beauty of Joburg, to explore Joburg is great.
‘Joburg, the city of gold and countless opportunities. Around every corner is a person trying to hustle to make a living and fulfil their passion and seeing that drives me more to be the best I can be.’
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The running flyhalf explained that Wits is more than just a rugby squad and that he is excited to represent his new side.
‘Wits isn’t a set-up, it’s a family that works for each other on and off the field. The professionalism portrayed by not only the coaching staff but also the players is second to none.’
Cupido will have a lot of competition at playmaker in Joburg, with some talented flyhalves in the squad. But he believes Wits coach Hugo van As might have a horses-for-courses approach.
‘There’s a lot of quality flyhalves in the training squad at the moment, with the likes of Chris Humphries, Kurt Webster and Keagan Lailvaux which makes the competition tight, but I also want to do what’s best for the team, so if the coaches have a different role planned for me then I’ll accept it and give my best for the team.’
‘They will not catch him!’ @UWConline erupts as captain Aidynn Cupido goes all the way! #RugbyThatRocks pic.twitter.com/6iI5t4ccey
— Varsity Cup (@varsitycup) February 11, 2019
The Varsity Cup title victory is Wits’ goal for this upcoming season, according to Cupido.
‘We’ve spoken about a lot of things that we would like to achieve this year with the main goal in sight being to be crowned 2020 Varsity Cup champions but focusing on the journey to the reward noting the importance of each game.’
Wits kick off their season against Cupido’s old team, UWC, in Belville on 3 February at 7pm. The game won’t be televised.
Photo: Varsity Sports