Retired Referee Exposes Real Story Behind Orlando Pirates CAF Drama With St Eloi Lupopo

Former FIFA referee Victor Hlungwani has weighed in on Orlando Pirates’ complaint against Congolese side Saint Eloi Lupopo, insisting that the Soweto giants have no legitimate grounds for appeal. 

Pirates were eliminated from the CAF Champions League in the second preliminary round and have since lodged a protest with CAF, claiming that Lupopo fielded an ineligible coach and players during the two-legged tie.

The Buccaneers argued that Lupopo head coach Guy Bukasa, who was serving a CAF suspension from his previous role with the DR Congo U-20 national team, should not have been allowed on the touchline. 

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The South African club also alleged that two Lupopo players, Wanet Kashala and Molia Lihozasia, were ineligible to play. 

However, Hlungwani, who refereed at the highest level for more than two decades, believes Pirates’ protest will amount to nothing.

“What will happen? Nothing will happen because these are different competitions,” Hlungwani said on Metro FM’s SNAWA as quoted by KickOff.

 “The CMS that we use to punch the players on the system, if the player is suspended, the CMS will refuse. The same as the PSL. If you punch a player who is suspended, the CMS will say, no, player ineligible,” explained the former PSL referee.

Hlungwani further elaborated that Bukasa’s suspension, even if valid, would not automatically disqualify Lupopo’s results because the coach’s presence on the bench does not directly impact the eligibility of the team.

“Now you come to the coach, the coach does not play football. You protest against the coach, he does not influence the results of the match,” he added. 

“So, where is the case? I don't see any case. I have been in these CAF games, and I have seen it all. I have a FIFA referee, we punch the system, and the system will say, player ineligible.”

Hlungwani’s comments suggest that CAF is unlikely to overturn Lupopo’s victory or reinstate Pirates in the competition. 

The former referee believes that the rules and systems in place make it nearly impossible for a club to unknowingly field an ineligible player.

“I look at all, I don't see a case. Nothing. I don't see a case, that's why the fixtures are out, and the games are going to be played, there's no hope [for Pirates],” he concluded.