CAF CL: Orlando Pirates protest St Eloi Lupopo win! CAF seek answers – Reports

Premier Soccer League outfit Orlando Pirates have allegedly filed an official complaint to CAF regarding the eligibility of coach Guy Bukasa, who helped St Eloi Lupopo past the Soweto giants in the CAF Champions League.

The Buccaneers lost the first leg of the second preliminary round against the Democratic Republic of Congo 3-0 but managed to make the scores even in the second meeting at the Orlando Stadium to ensure the aggregate score ended 3-3. 

However, they fell 5-4 in the penalty shootout against the Cheminots to crash out of the competition. Nevertheless, the Sea Robbers have not given up on the hope of playing in the group stage of the prestigious continental competition. 

Bucs appeal the loss

Pirates have reportedly lodged a complaint to the football governing body on the continent, hoping the ruling goes their way. 

“Days after the match, reports emerged claiming that Bukasa should not have been on the bench for the fixture due to an active suspension imposed by CAF,” KickOff reported.

“The Congolese coach was reportedly serving a six-match ban for a disciplinary offence dating back to his tenure as head coach of the DR Congo U-20 national team during the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.”

What are the complaints by Pirates?

Reports have it that, “Coach Guy Bukasa – Pirates claim he should not have been allowed to sit on the bench due to a CAF suspension he received while in charge of DR Congo U20. They needed clarification.

🚨 𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐋:

Orlando Pirates’ complaints lodged to CAF against St Eloi Lupopo head coach Guy Bukasa and two of their players, Molia and Kashala.

Here’s what the Buccaneers’ protest is based on:

1️⃣ Coach Guy Bukasa – Pirates claim he should not have been allowed to sit on the… pic.twitter.com/8jwFzRauVw

— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) October 31, 2025

“[Henoc] Molia – The club alleges that Lupopo registered him after the transfer window closed, violating CAF registration rules.

“[Wanet] Kashala – Pirates have also reported that the player holds two different passports, which they say raises eligibility concerns,” they concluded.

CAF have now written to Lupopo on the same before making their ruling before the group stage officially begins.