Meet Ashley Cupido: Stellenbosch FC's new rising star from Ottery

Ashley Cupido (23), the new forward for Stellenbosch FC, embodies the spirit of perseverance and ambition.

Hailing from Ottery in Cape Town, a community known for its challenges, Ashley shares, “Me as a person, I'm not a person that likes to do much outside of football. I like spending time with my family, yes but going out not so much.”

Growing up in a large family with limited resources, he recalls, “My background as a child growing up was hard; I didn't have much, only my uncle was working at the time. There wasn't much going around if it was money or food; it was hard.”

The harsh realities of Ottery

Cupido paints a vivid picture of his hometown, illustrating the daily struggles many face.

“Ottery is a place of people, families that don't have much. Hard working people just trying to put food on the table,” he told SportsBoom.com. His experiences have shaped him, allowing him to appreciate the value of hard work and determination. Witnessing violence and loss, he acknowledges the impact of his environment, saying, “Growing up, I saw a lot of things like shootings, drug abuse, and losing good friends due to that.”

Amidst the difficulties, football became Cupido's sanctuary. He recalls, “I started playing football at the age of 7 or 8. And I really loved it and enjoyed playing every Sunday.” His passion for the sport brings him joy and fulfilment, as he adds:

Climbing the ranks: From youth to professional

Cupido spent significant time at Cape Town Spurs/Ajax Cape Town, where he transformed from a youth player to a first-team member. “Playing for such a big club as Ajax Cape Town with such a good history, for me going there was always about learning and getting better,” he reflects. The transition from youth to professional football posed challenges, as he notes, “The difference between being a professional player and a youth player is just that the margin for mistakes is higher. You don't win every game, and the pressure is high.”

His standout moments included becoming the top goal scorer in the Motsepe Foundation Championship and winning promotion to the Betway Premiership. “My best moments are getting top goal scorer and winning promotion to the topflight,” he proudly states.

A new chapter at Stellenbosch

Cupido’s move to Stellenbosch FC marks a significant milestone in his career. “The move took some time to go through,” he explains. After an impressive performance against AmaTuks, he received a call from club boss Alexi Efstathiou, confirming the deal. “I was happy that it went through but also not surprised because I already made it clear I wanted to leave,” he shares.

Having played several matches for Stellenbosch FC, Cupido appreciates the club's ambition. “Stellenbosch football club is a good club to be a part of. The club as a whole has ambition to compete, and I also want that,” he affirms. The supportive environment in Stellenbosch adds to his positive experience.

The Influence of Coach Steve Barker

Ashley speaks highly of his new coach, Steve Barker. “My new coach is a very relaxed coach; he’s not up or down, he is just there in-between. He works hard, and the team believes in him,” he observes. This supportive leadership instils confidence in players, allowing them to thrive on the pitch.

Looking forward to the current season, Ashley expresses optimism.