DRC: Bukasa: Lupopo mustn’t be overconfident after Pirates result

FC Saint Éloi Lupopo coach Guy Bukasa has cautioned his Congolese top-flight league team against overconfidence going into Sunday’s derby against TP Mazembe.

The former Under-20 Leopards trainer delivered the message to his players following their confidence that is oozing after their recent exploits of ousting Orlando Pirates from the CAF Champions League.

The Railwaymen beat the Soweto giants 5-4 on post-match penalties on October 25, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa, to progress to the group stages. The two teams had tied three-all on aggregate over the two legs of the Champions League second preliminary round before the penalties separated them.

Now, Lupopo take on Mazembe in a Lubumbashi derby at Frédéric Kibasa Maliba Stadium. Both clubs will go into the game after making a winning start to the Linafoot Ligue 1 season. The Ravens defeated Cercle Sportif Manika 3-1 on October 22 before the rookies lost 1-0 to Lamine Ndiaye’s side on October 29, 2025.

What message did Bukasa send to his Lupopo players?

Therefore, ahead of the derby, Bukasa sent a message to his players to forget about the result against Pirates.

“We need to stay focused and not mix up our competitions. If we make that mistake, it could hinder our approach to the match, which is very important. We are preparing seriously to put on a good show for the fans. I hope that will be the case for both sides. May the best team win on the pitch,” the coach said, as quoted by Footrdc.com.

“Both teams will want to win. There will be desire and intensity. But it will be the mentally strongest team that will make the difference. We are working hard and we have faith.”

Lupopo and Mazembe sit second in stream A of the three-pronged Ligue 1 with three points each.

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