FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo coach Guy Bukasa has issued a stern warning to his side against complacency, insisting that their commanding 3-0 first-leg victory over Orlando Pirates in the CAF Champions League is firmly “in the past” as they prepare for the decisive second leg.
The DR Congo side delivered a shock result in the first preliminary round tie, but the coach remains wary of the Buccaneers’ pedigree ahead of Saturday’s clash, with a group stage spot on the line.
The two sides meet at Orlando Stadium in a match that will decide who advances to the group stages. Kick off is 3 PM on Saturday.
“I think that the first leg [3-0 win] belongs to the past. We prepared well for our game tomorrow. The fact of winning in the first leg did not change anything for Orlando Pirates’ status. It’s still one of the bigger clubs we have in Africa,” Bukasa told the media. “We have to continue to try to improve our level, to try to make a good game tomorrow, because if we just keep thinking about what happened last week, it can be a big mistake for us.”
‘OUR STRATEGY WAS TO STAY HUMBLE’: BUKASA
Lupopo will be determined to protect their three-goal advantage to progress, but Bukasa confirmed his team’s mindset is to play for a result, not just defend their lead. The 38-year-old revealed that their strategy for the first leg was born out of humility and respect for their opponents.
“To be honest, before that game we did not have any pressure because Orlando was a favourite,” he said. “Our strategy was to stay humble, waiting for them, and try to go by transitions, that’s what we did on the first leg.”
The former Rayon Sport coach also spoke of a greater motivation driving his squad. Lupopo remains the last team from the DRC in the Champions League, a mantle they embrace for their countrymen.
“What we have in our mind is just to try to make our brothers proud,” Bukasa passionately stated. “Because we are facing some problems also in our country… So, whenever we are going to the pitch, we are trying to think about our brothers who are suffering.”
The Buccaneers must score at least three goals without conceding to force a penalty shootout or win by a four-goal margin to overturn the deficit and seal their place in the Champions League group stages.
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