Bukasa inspired by Ibenge and Mosimane as he leads Lupopo

Bukasa, who oversaw the 3-0 demolition of Orlando Pirates in the first leg, 2nd preliminary round of the CAF Champions League game last week, will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of these two great coaches.

He has previously worked with Ibenge, the former DRC national team head coach, and admires his work.

"Ibenge is a great motivation for us coaches, and especially young coaches. Coaches like Florent Ibenge and Pitso Mosimane brought respect to African coaches, and they've been great teachers to all of us."

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The first leg clash between the two teams was characterized by the DRC side denying Pirates the space to play, and focused on the transitions to catch them.

With his side leading 3-0, this is likely to be another strategy again tomorrow, as Bukasa explains their game plan.

"If we want to grow and if we want to be named one of the very good clubs in Africa, this kind of game is inevitable, because even in the first preliminary round, it was really difficult, but we are trying to build a disciplined team that is willing to fight in every single minute in a game. 

"We are excited to be here, and this is a great opportunity to show that we are not as small as people think."

Lupopo, who also come from Lubumbashi, where DRC’s most prominent team in the CAF Champions League---TP Mazembe come from, are the sole representatives of their country in this year’s edition. Bukasa says they need to make use of this opportunity and represent their country well.

Bukasa, who is not a stranger to big tournaments, having coached the DRC U20 team earlier this year at the African Cup of Nations tournament in Egypt and lost to South Africa in the quarterfinal, has also recalled how they toppled another top team in the previous round El Merreikh from Sudan.

The 38-year-old, is emphasizes a good game approach against the Buccaneers.