A brewing storm in African football: Orlando Pirates take their battle to CAF over Saint-Eloi Lupopo.
Things are heating up between South Africa’s Orlando Pirates and DR Congo’s Saint-Eloi Lupopo, as the Pirates have officially lodged three separate complaints with the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The cases target Lupopo’s head coach, Guy Bukasa, and two of his players, Henoc Molia and Ramos Khashala Wanet—and the accusations are serious enough to potentially shake up the CAF Champions League standings.
So, what’s at the heart of the dispute? According to reports, Orlando Pirates claim that Bukasa should never have been on the bench during a recent match. They argue that the coach was serving a CAF suspension stemming from a brawl during an Under-20 AFCON match against South Africa—yet he still appeared on the sidelines. As for the players, the Pirates allege that Henoc Molia was registered outside the official transfer window, while Ramos Wanet’s eligibility is under fire due to holding two different passports—a serious administrative red flag in professional football.
CAF responds: 'We’re aware, and the process has begun'
Following the CAF Champions League group stage draw held in Johannesburg, Luxolo September, CAF’s Head of TV and Communications, addressed the controversy. Speaking to SABC Sport, he confirmed that the complaints have been formally received and are now moving through CAF’s judicial system.
“The first thing I can confirm is that we are aware of the situation,” September said. “These complaints have reached CAF and are being processed through our judicial and competent structures. It’s a legal matter, and we must respect the independence of those bodies.”
He went on to stress that the administrative arm of CAF is staying out of the judicial process, emphasizing a clear division between the two. “We’re dealing with the situation as it currently stands,” he explained. “Once the judicial bodies provide guidance, we’ll act accordingly—but right now, it’s out of our hands. When will we know more? I don’t know. How will it unfold? I don’t know. It’s an independent process, and we have to let it run its course.”
September’s careful wording makes it clear: CAF won’t interfere until the disciplinary committees deliver a verdict. But here’s where things get interesting—if the Pirates’ complaints are upheld, the implications could be massive.
What’s next? The possible shake-up in Group C
CAF has already announced provisional dates for the start of the group stages, scheduled for 21–23 November. But depending on the judicial outcome, we could see a last-minute lineup change. If Orlando Pirates are reinstated, they could replace Saint-Eloi Lupopo in Group C, joining Mamelodi Sundowns, Al-Hilal (Sudan), and MC Alger.
History, of course, has a way of repeating itself. Back in 2016, Mamelodi Sundowns advanced in similar fashion after AS Vita Club were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player in their preliminary round match against Mafunzo. Could we be seeing a repeat of that scenario?
The big question
If Orlando Pirates’ allegations prove true, should Lupopo be disqualified entirely, or should only the individuals involved face punishment? And more broadly, do these repeated registration and eligibility issues suggest a deeper administrative problem within African club football?
What do you think? Should CAF take a harder line on teams accused of breaking the rules—or does the current system already do enough? Share your thoughts below—this debate is far from over.
