FC Saint Eloi Lupopo coach Guy Bukasa has been hit with a six-match suspension, starting with the Mamelodi Sundowns clash, and a US$20,000 [R344,000] fine.
CAF this week delivered a final verdict in the eligibility dispute between Orlando Pirates and FC Lupopo, confirming the DR Congo club’s place in the CAF Champions League group stage.
While the victory for Lupopo stands, the ruling also brings immediate consequences for their 35-year-old coach. Bukasa was ordered to immediately serve his six-match suspension “during the upcoming CAF competitions,” starting with the club’s opening group-stage match this Saturday against Mamelodi Sundowns. They face off at the Loftus Versveld Stadium at 3PM.
The suspension stems from an earlier disciplinary case involving the DR Congo Under-20 team. The fine is the consequence of failing to comply with the initial decision of CAF’s Disciplinary Board. Although he can continue coaching his team, the ruling explicitly states that he will not be allowed on the bench for the duration of his ban.
Crucially for Lupopo’s result, CAF clarified that while the coach was indeed suspended, his presence on the bench during the match could not result in any sanction against the club.
FC LUPOPO KICK OFF GROUP STAGES CAMPAIGN
The ruling spells the end for Pirates’ ambitions in this year’s CAF Champions League. The Buccaneers had lodged a formal complaint following their elimination by Lupopo in the second preliminary round, which ended in a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout after a 3-3 aggregate score over two legs.
The Buccaneers’ appeal targeted the eligibility of two Lupopo players, Henoc Molia and Wanet Kashala, and questioned the presence of coach Bukasa on the bench during the decisive match.
With the administrative hurdle cleared, Lupopo is now set to begin its Group C campaign away to the reigning South African champions. The group is completed by former Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena’s MC Alger and Sudanese side Al Hilal.
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