Sundowns prepare for Lupopo clash amid uncertainty of Pirates’ eligibility protest

Mamelodi Sundowns are gearing up to launch their CAF Champions League group-stage campaign on a positive note when they take on Democratic Republic of Congo side Saint Eloi Lupopo this Saturday, despite the uncertainty that still surrounds their group. 

With their focus squarely on redeeming themselves and going all the way after last season’s painful defeat in the final, several factors could still shift before the match takes place.

Neighbours and fierce rivals Orlando Pirates remain deeply involved, with their appeal against the DR Congo team still carrying major significance and possibly influencing the final makeup of the group. 

The Buccaneers were knocked out of the tournament after a 5-4 penalty shootout defeat to Lupopo, following a 3-3 aggregate draw over the two legs.

Pirates have since opened another battle away from the pitch, requesting that CAF investigate the eligibility of Henoc Molia, who is said to have been registered outside the Fifa transfer window, as well as Wanet Kashala, who is believed to possess two passports. 

With only a few days left before the group stages begin this weekend, CAF has yet to announce the results of their investigations. 

Should Pirates be reinstated, it would reignite their rivalry with Sundowns — a matchup that was last season’s dream final but never took place after Pirates were eliminated in the penultimate round of the competition — and could also elevate the group into what many would consider the ‘group of death.’

The group already includes MC Alger, coached by Rulani Mokwena — formerly in charge of both Pirates and Sundowns — who has led his new side to an unbeaten start in the Algerian League after eight matches. They currently top the Algerian League One table, holding three games in hand over second-placed MC Oran, who sit two points behind.

Mokwena’s sudden exit from Sundowns at the start of last season came as a major surprise, particularly given the club’s continued ambition to win another Champions League title.

With the Brazilians still chasing that elusive continental crown, the former coach may feel he has a point to prove about why he should not have been dismissed following their semi-final elimination under his watch.

The potential re-entry of Pirates could also work to Sundowns’ advantage, not only by avoiding a demanding trip to the DR Congo but also by presenting them with an opponent they have already met three times this season. All three matches finished 1-1, highlighting how evenly matched the two teams are. 

While Pirates would present a tougher challenge than Lupopo, Sundowns would still hold a psychological edge, having already known their competition status, whereas Pirates — if reinstated — would face a sudden tactical and mental adjustment at a challenging moment.

Sudanese side Al Hilal SC, currently playing in Rwanda’s Premier League due to the civil war in Sudan, rounds off the group. After ending a five-year streak of group-stage exits with a quarterfinal appearance last season, they are expected to be a stern test as they aim to reach their first semifinal since 2015.

The Brazilians have never failed to make it out of the group stages in their last six attempts, with the last three seasons seeing them reach a final and two semi-finals.