Luc Eymael warns Orlando Pirates about 'hostile' FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo and the conditions they will face in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Orlando Pirates head to DR Congo to face FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo at the Stade Frederic Kibassa Maliba in the first leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round on Sunday.

They will then host their Congolese opponents on October 25 and the winner of this round goes to into the group stage draw of the competition. 

Chippa United coach Luc Eymael who previously worked for Lupopo tells the Buccaneers what to expect when they visit the Railmen.

“First of all, we qualified Lupopo for the Champions League,” Eymael told Soccer Laduma.

“If I’m right, the first game will be in Lupopo, and it will not be easy for Pirates to go there and get a positive result. The stadium will be full, and the fans will be the 13th man of the team. Also, it’s an artificial pitch, and the environment will be a bit hostile for Pirates but very positive for Lupopo.

“It’s not just the fans. The pitch, the noise, and the passion – all of that makes it a difficult place to play. Pirates will feel it. Lupopo have also made some changes since I left, both tactically and in terms of personnel," added the Chippa United coach.

“They have kept some key players but they lost a few attackers – one moved to TP Mazembe, another to Tanzania.

"They brought in a new number 10 from Maniema Union and retained strong midfielders. Defensively, they are still solid.

“It’s a very good artificial pitch, but it’s different from what Pirates are used to. The fans there are intense – they really push the team. Lupopo still have quality, even if their system has changed," he continued.

“The coach of Pirates worked in Congo before, so he knows the environment. He even faced Lupopo in the league when I was there. That knowledge might help Pirates prepare better for what’s coming.”

Pirates resume their business with some of their players back for club duty while high in confidence.

Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis and Evidence Makgppa were on target to hand Bafana Bafana a 3-0 win over Rwanda in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

That kind of form could be a worry for Lupopo who are facing highly motivated players who have also discovered their form at club level.

The Buccaneers arrive in Lubumbashi enjoying an eight-match winning streak in all competitions without conceding a single goal.

With a resolute defence and forwards in form and high on confidence, the conditions in Lubumbashi may not be as intimidating as Eymael believes.

But only time and the final whistle will tell for sure.