Orlando Pirates were shockingly dumped out of the CAF Champions League by Congolese side St Eloi Lupopo last weekend.
The Buccaneers who made it to the semi-final stage in the previous edition were expected to go one further this year and qualify for the finals.
Unfortunately for them though, they were eliminated in the second preliminary round via a penalty-shotout.
Now, a new glimmer of hope has been revealed however, their opponents are adamant there’s no hope down this road! Take a look at the key details below.
Orlando Pirates protesting Lupopo loss
According to the latest reports, Orlando Pirates FC have lodged three complaints against St Eloi Lupopo FC following their CAF Champions League loss.
The Buccaneers believe head coach Guy Bukasa was carrying a suspension from a previous DR Congo Under-20 match. Bukasa was allegedly not supposed to be allowed to sit on the technical bench, which he did do.
Furthermore, the Soweto giants believe Lupopo player Henoc Molia was registered after the transfer window closed, making him ineligible to be registered to play in the CAF Champions League.
There’s also a nationality dispute against Ramos Kashala Wanet, who Orlando Pirates believe holds two passports.
In response to Pirates’ protests, a senior Lupopo official has responded. Take a look at what he had to say below.
Lupopo respond to swirling CAF rumours
Lupopo’s general secretary Don Jean-Luc Kapend has responded to Orlando Pirates’ allegations. According to the football executive, the Buccaneers are clutching at straws here.
“Article 29.6 of the 2025 CAF competition regulations is clear. Suspensions of more than one match only apply to the category in which they were imposed, in this case the U20s,” Kapend said as quoted by Citizen.
“Today, everything is computerized. The schedule for the second round was from September 1 to 30. Kashala was registered in the CMS system on September 29. At this stage, we’re not cheating. FC Lupopo will play in the group stage.”