Veteran referee explains why Pirates’ appeal against Lupopo lacks merit

Veteran referee Victor ‘The Principal’ Hlongwane has given reasons why he feels Orlando Pirates have no case against Congolese side St Eloi Lupopo.

Pirates were knocked out of the CAF Champions League by Lupopo at the second preliminary round last month, following a post-match penalty loss, after a 3-3 draw on aggregate in the two-legged tie.

However, in the aftermath of the ill-tempered match, Pirates filed a case at CAF over Lupopo regarding their coach and two players who they claim were ineligible for the clash.

Pirates claim player Henoc Molia was registered outside the transfer window period while Ramos Khashala Wanet allegedly holds two passports.

Hlongwane dismisses two passport claims

The Buccaneers also allege that Lupopo coach Guy Bukasa was not supposed to be in the dugout during their encounter, having been suspended by CAF, following a brawl during an Under-20 AFCON match against South Africa.

Those allegations have since been dismissed by Lupopo CEO Jean-Luc Kapend, who termed Pirates’ complaint ‘baseless’ and Hlongwane agrees with him.

“If you say somebody has two passports, how many players have two passports?” The Principal posed on Metro FM, regarding Wanet’s case.

“Denis Onyango has two passports, Kennedy Mweene has two. Now you go on and say you are protesting about what, players?”

Did Lupopo field a suspended player?

👨🏾‍⚖️ The Principal says Orlando Pirates have no case at all following their CAF appeal. #sabcsport411 pic.twitter.com/wHglgxGmLm

— Mazola J. Molefe (@superjourno) November 10, 2025

Hlongwane then weighed in on the case of Molia, who he claims would not have played if he was suspended, as the CAF system would not have accepted his registration.

“The CMS that has the players on the system, if the player is suspended, the CMS will refuse the same as the PSL,” he added. “If you punch the player who is suspended, the CMS will say no, the player is ineligible.”

About coach Bukasa, Hlongwane was forthright: “Now you come to the coach, the coach does not play football. You protest against the coach, it does not influence the results of the match. So, where is the case there? I do not see any case.”

‘The Principal’ pours cold water on Pirates case

“I have been in this game and have seen these cases. FIFA referee will punch the system and the system will say; ‘player ineligible’ so I look at all [and] I do not see a case. Nothing, I don’t see a case.

“That is why the fixture is out and the games are going to be played,” he further said.

Lupopo are set to face MC Alger, Mamelodi Sundowns and Al-Hilal in their Champions League group stages.