Lupopo coach rejects complacency ahead of Pirates showdown

FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo coach Guy Bukasa has thrown out any notion of complacency, asserting that his side’s commanding 3-0 first-leg advantage over Orlando Pirates is “firmly in the past” as they gear up for the decisive CAF Champions League Second Preliminary Round second leg.

The DR Congo side delivered one of the shocks of the first leg, but Bukasa remains acutely aware of the pedigree of the Buccaneers ahead of Saturday’s high-stakes match at Orlando Stadium (3:00 PM kick-off), where a precious group stage ticket is on the line.

Respect for Pirates, Warning Against Complacency

Speaking to the media, the Lupopo mentor stressed that the massive first-leg win does not diminish the status of their South African rivals.

“I think that the first leg [3-0 win] belongs to the past. We prepared well for our game tomorrow,” Bukasa stated. “The fact of winning in the first leg did not change anything for Orlando Pirates’ status. It’s still one of the bigger clubs we have in Africa.”

He warned his players against dwelling on their success, emphasising the need for continued focus and improvement. “We have to continue to try to improve our level, to try to make a good game tomorrow, because if we just keep thinking about what happened last week, it can be a big mistake for us.”

Bukasa revealed that their tactical success in the first leg was founded on humility and a respectful approach, viewing Pirates as the favourites.

“To be honest, before that game we did not have any pressure because Orlando was a favourite,” he confessed. “Our strategy was to stay humble, waiting for them, and try to go by transitions, that’s what we did on the first leg.”

Furthermore, the coach added that his squad is driven by a motivation that transcends club football. As the last remaining team from the DRC in the Champions League, Lupopo carries the hopes of their nation.

“What we have in our mind is just to try to make our brothers proud,” Bukasa passionately affirmed, linking their performance to the socio-political challenges faced by their countrymen.

Pirates need to overturn the three-goal deficit by scoring at least three goals without conceding to force penalties, or four to win outright, if they hope to continue their continental journey.