Ex-Kaizer Chiefs Star Slams Saint Eloi Lupopo as 'Very Weak Team' After Loss to Mamelodi Sundowns

The former Kaizer Chiefs player has labelled Saint Eloi Lupopo a weak side, questioning their ability to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League.

Former Kaizer Chiefs star Junior Khanye has dismissed the quality of Saint Eloi Lupopo, stating that Mamelodi Sundowns should have no trouble handling the Congolese side in the CAF Champions League.

Following Saint Eloi Lupopo's 3-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns, the outspoken pundit did not hold back in his assessment, labelling them a ‘very weak team’ and expressing surprise at their earlier victory over Orlando Pirates.

Saint Eloi Lupopo CAF Champions League Campaign So Far

FC Saint Eloi Lupopo secured a dramatic entry into the CAF Champions League Group Stage, edging out Orlando Pirates in a nail-biting encounter.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

After a commanding 3-0 first-leg win in Lubumbashi, the Congolese side was pushed to the limit in the return fixture at Orlando Stadium.

Orlando Pirates mounted a spectacular comeback, winning the second leg 3-0 to level the aggregate scoreline. The decisive moment came in the penalty shootout, where Saint Eloi-Lupopo held their nerve to triumph 5-4, sealing their place among the continent's elite and leaving the Buccaneers heartbroken.

However, their Group C campaign began with a tough 3-1 loss to South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Portuguese forward Nuno Santos was the star, scoring a brace.

Lupopo then scored just before half-time through Ramos Kashala Wanet, but the home side’s quality shone through when Chilean midfielder Marcelo Allende restored the lead in the 61st minute. The defeat leaves Saint Eloi Lupopo seeking their first points in the group stage.

Junior Khanye Criticises Saint Eloi Lupopo's Tactics

Speaking on iDiski TV, Khanye argued that the match simply highlighted the significant gap in quality between the two clubs and that the result was entirely predictable. He asserted that Lupopo failed to pose any real threat to Sundowns throughout the game.

"This Lupopo team is a very weak team, I’ll be honest. I don’t even know how they beat the Pirates at home," Junior Khanye remarked.

He specifically pointed out a tactical flaw, noting that Saint Eloi Lupopo's wing-backs advanced too far up the pitch, leaving their two central defenders exposed. According to Junior Khanye, this was a risky approach that Sundowns consistently exploited.

The former winger believes that any team conducting proper analysis will easily identify and capitalise on these vulnerabilities.

"You are going to get teams who do analysis… who might not be threatening in the first half but come back to punish you in the second half," he explained.

Despite his harsh critique of Saint Eloi Lupopo, Junior Khanye also noted that the goal Sundowns conceded was preventable.

Mamelodi Sundowns Face Busy Schedule

Mamelodi Sundowns are now preparing for their next continental fixture against MC Alger on Friday, November 28.

Following that, they will return to domestic action for a Betway Premiership match against Siwelele FC on December 3 to close out their year.