'That Is Where They Have a Strong Case' – Insider on How Orlando Pirates Can Win CAF Battle Against Saint Eloi Lupopo

New details have emerged in the ongoing dispute between Orlando Pirates and Saint Eloi Lupopo, with an inside source revealing that the Buccaneers may have a strong case in their complaint to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The controversy stems from the two clubs' fiery CAF Champions League preliminary round encounter.

After both teams secured 3-0 home victories, Saint Eloi Lupopo ultimately advanced via a penalty shootout. In the aftermath, Pirates lodged an official complaint with African football's governing body.

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Sources indicate that the Soweto giants' protest centres on several key issues. They allege that Lupopo's head coach, Guy Bukasa, was ineligible to be on the bench for the second leg due to a prior suspension from his time as the coach of Congo's U20 national team.

The complaint also raises questions about the eligibility of two Lupopo players, Ramos Kashala and Henoc Molia.

While CAF has confirmed an investigation is underway, Saint Eloi Lupopo officials claim they have yet to receive any formal notification from the confederation.

An insider with knowledge of CAF's regulatory procedures believes Orlando Pirates' complaint has merit, particularly concerning player registration.

"Yes, there’s definitely a chance for Pirates in this case. The main issue is how Saint Lupopo will prove that the player in question was registered before the deadline," the source said as quoted by Soccer Laduma.

The source highlighted the role of CAF's Transfer Matching System (TMS), which was designed to prevent registration fraud.

"With the CAF Transfer Matching System, interference isn’t possible," the insider explained. "Before the early 2000s, player clearances could be done via email, but clubs began tampering with those documents; that’s why TMS was introduced."

According to the source, the most compelling part of Orlando Pirates' case involves the player registration and potential dual passport issues, rather than the coach's suspension.

"As for the Bukasa case... even if the coach is found guilty, I don’t believe it will result in the entire club being suspended or thrown out of the group stages," they added.

However, the insider stressed that the outcome is far from certain and will depend on Lupopo's defense before CAF's disciplinary committee.

"At this stage, it’s still in the balance. It will come down to how Saint Lupopo defends their position," the source concluded.

"If CAF were to expel Lupopo just because of the coach sitting on the bench, that would set a major precedent. But in terms of the players’ eligibility issues, yes, that’s where the Pirates have a strong case."

Meanwhile, Lupopo spokesperson Daniel Ndongo has dismissed the controversy, stating the club is focused on its upcoming group stage matches.

"We haven’t received any updates from the Confederation of African Football on this matter. We remain calm and are preparing for the group stage with peace of mind," Ndongo told Pan African Football.

Addressing the coach's situation, Ndongo cited CAF regulations, arguing that any suspension would be limited to youth competitions.

"Article 29.6 of the 2025 CAF competition regulations is clear. Suspensions of more than one match only apply to the category in which they were imposed, in this case, the U20s," he said, as quoted by Foot RDC.

As the football world awaits a decision, the ruling could have major consequences. A verdict in favour of Orlando Pirates could see Lupopo's place in the Champions League group stage revoked, significantly altering the competition's landscape.