Pirates’ tormentor Mukoko steals Sundowns’ show

Orlando Pirates’ tormentor Dieumerci Mukoko was the centre of attraction after his FC Saint- Éloi Lupopo’s 3-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa on Saturday.

Heading into the CAF Champions’ League group stage game, some South African fans looked forward to catching sight of the entertaining defender, who tormented the Buccaneers with rough play and antics in October.

However, on his return to South Africa on Saturday, Mukoko was restricted to the terraces of Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. The defender is serving a two-match suspension for his violent conduct in the Champions League second preliminary round second leg match against Pirates.

Despite that the Linafoot Ligue 1 champions lost the second leg 3-0 to Pirates, the forceful right-back felt made his presence felt on the pitch.

Mukoko’s theatrics, perceived rough play and showmanship that bordered on sheer provocation caught the attention of most fans in South Africa. Some supporters suggested that the defender was lucky not to receive a red card.

Mukoko head-butted Pirates star Masindi Nemtajela then appeared to plant his boots on Oswin Appollis’ heel in an off the field antic. However, the DRC international got away with it. His team-mate Christopher Sumbu received a red card instead. Pirates, too, finished the game with a man down following Tshepang Moremi’s dismissal.

Despite escaping the punishment, CAF reviewed the incidents after the Buccaneers lodged a complaint leading to Mukoko’s two-game ban.

How Mukoko hogged limelight after Sundowns game

Therefore, all eyes were on him after the game against Sundowns. Little wonder, fans lined up to pose for selfies with their star while others asked for autographs.

“Mukoko is much more than a player in SA. He’s a real superstar! Outside the stadium, a huge crowd rushed for a photo, while children and their parents looked for autographs. Increasing popularity confirms that our club has taken a major step on the international stage,” Lupopo wrote on their official Facebook page.

Arthur Mafokate also took a video of him talking to the DRC international, who could hardly utter a word in English while insisting on French.

“Right after Sundowns beat Lupopo 3–1, Arthur caught Mukoko for a quick impromptu reaction. He joked about the match, escaped a second yellow… and still had time to laugh when Arthur asked him about Sundowns. His line? Sundowns are good! Pure football moments — unfiltered and raw,” Mafokate wrote on his Facebook page.

Soccerbeat also captured the moment, posting on Facebook: “Everyone wanted a picture with Mukoko after Mamelodi Sundowns’ 3-1 victory over Saint Eloi Lupopo.”

The DRC international boasts 23 caps, with his club career extending to previous spells with AS Vita, DC Motema Pembe and Les Aigles.