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Orlando Pirates, October 2025Saint Lupopo
Kiplagat Sang

Former Egypt coach and CAF Champions League finalist insists 'there’s no doubt about it' as he shares tips on how Orlando Pirates can overcome FC Saint Eloi Lupopo and advance to the group stage

After the Soweto giants suffered a huge defeat, the tactician has pointed out what gives Bucs an advantage going into the return leg. Pirates fans were confident their team would come back home with a win, but what happened left the club's continental dream hanging on a thin thread.

  • Saint Lupopo, Orlando Pirates, October 2025Saint Lupopo

    De Sa shocked

    Former Egypt assistant coach Roger De Sa has admitted he was shocked when Orlando Pirates were defeated 3-0 in a CAF Champions League second preliminary round encounter by Saint Lupopo.

    Against the odds, Pirates fell in Lubumbashi as the DR Congo managed a scoreline that gives them an advantage going into the second leg action. 

    De Sa, who guided Pirates to the 2013 Champions League final where they lost to Egypt's Al Ahly, has said he was shocked given how the Premier Soccer League heavyweights have been performing.

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  • Orlando Pirates, September 2025Backpage

    'A bit of a shock'

    “I think to go there is always difficult, but to lose 3-0 was a bit of a shock because Pirates have shown signs of a club that can win the title, and even at home. There are a lot of signs of improvement. I was shocked," De Sa told FARPost.

    “But then again, it’s football, isn’t it? Possibly, they were chasing a result. Once you go 1-0 down, you are chasing a result, you are away from home, and it can happen. The other side of it is that you are playing against unknowns," he added.

  • Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi & Cemran Dansin, Orlando Pirates, September 2025Backpagepix

    Tough task ahead

    Although the experienced tactician said he was shocked by the results, he stated that when playing little-known teams, anything can happen. He is confident Pirates can fight back and win.    

    "It is difficult. The African competition is a different monster altogether. It is teams you don’t have a lot of information on. You might see them on video playing in the local league, but it is very different when you come up against them," he continued.

    "So, yeah, a tough one to swallow… a tough task ahead to turn that result around, but it can be done; there’s no doubt about it.”

    “Pirates have the attacking team that can score many, many goals. Let’s see how it goes."

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  • Abdeslam Ouaddou, Orlando Pirates, September 2025Backpage

    Unbeaten run halted

    What made the result even more shocking is the fact that Pirates were on a good winning run - 11 victories from 14 matches made them viewed as favourites to win.   

    The Soweto giants now face an uphill task of overturning the scoreline at Orlando Stadium and progressing.

    Before the return leg on October 25, Bucs will play Polokwane City in a league game on October 22.

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