Multiple sporting awards for Diego

The Grade 7 athletics, cricket and rugby star has, as a result, cleaned up most if not all of his school’s sporting awards for 2016. His accolades include being named the Sportsman of the Year, Athlete of the Year, Cricketer of the Year and Best Backline Player (rugby) of the Year. He also won those four accolades in 2015.

Diego scored the most points for his school’s first rugby team and the most runs for the first cricket XI.

Asked to describe his thoughts and feelings about his outstanding achievements in an interview at the home of United, the Reiger Park Sports Ground; even the reserved Cupido, 13, was lost for words.

“Overwhelming,” he began, before a brief pause. “I don’t think there’s words to actually describe it,” he continued. “It’s just an overwhelming feeling”

When the Advertiser put him in a tight corner by asking him which is his favourite sport out of the three he excels in, he responded: “Rugby. I enjoy it the most. The style of the game; it evokes fire in me,” he said.

In athletics, Cupido is a specialist 100m and 200m sprinter. He’s also an accomplished long-jumper. He’s an all-rounder and fly-half in cricket and rugby respectively.

Cupido is also a National 7s rugby winner. He helped the U-13 Valke 7s team come back from a 14-5 half-time deficit, to beat Western Province 29-14 in the semi-finals; in a game he describes as his best ever.

He and his Valke teammates went on to defeat the Lions 12-5 in the final, to be crowned 2015 champions.

He added that his great bond with his father and the support from his mother and siblings, have been a significant factor in his excellence.

Cupido is the son of former United player and coach, Deon.

He’s due to take his talents to Helpmekaar Kollege in Johannesburg next year, for his high school education. – @SabeloBoksburg