Saint Éloi Lupopo right-back Dieumerci Mukoko Amale has suddenly become one of the most talked-about footballers among South African fans, and not because of his goals.
During the recent CAF Champions League clash between Orlando Pirates and Saint Éloi Lupopo, Mukoko’s name trended on social media after Pirates dramatically crashed out on penalties.
Mukoko steals the spotlight with his antics
But what really caught fans’ attention was not just the result, it was Mukoko’s on-field antics.
The Congolese defender delivered a fiery and animated performance, complete with swaggering walks, cheeky gestures, and a level of confidence that irritated and entertained fans in equal measure.
The red cards that shocked everyone
After Masindi Nemtajela scored the opening goal, he quickly grabbed the ball and sprinted toward the centre line to restart the game.
But before he could place it down, Mukoko stepped in and snatched the ball from his hands, sparking chaos.
Frustrated, Tshepang Moremi shoved Mukoko to the ground, and within seconds, players from both benches stormed the pitch.
What started as a scuffle turned into a full-blown brawl. In the end, the referee handed red cards to Moremi and Chris Maniania, sending both players off for their roles in the chaos.
Fans react to the Mukoko’s ‘bossy walk’
Despite the controversy, Mukoko’s larger-than-life attitude made him an instant internet sensation in South Africa.
Football lovers flooded X (formerly Twitter) with clips of his “bossy walk,” turning him into an unexpected cult hero, and villain, all at once.
While Pirates fans are still reeling from the heartbreak of their CAF exit, Mukoko seems to have walked straight into the spotlight, proving that sometimes, football fame can come from personality just as much as performance.