Rulani Mokwena: Saint Eloi Lupopo a real threat

Lupopo, led by 38-year-old coach Guy Bukasa, stunned Orlando Pirates in the preliminary rounds, advancing on aggregate over two legs – a result that has drawn attention across the continent. 

Speaking exclusively to the SA Football Journalists’ Association, Mokwena said Lupopo’s victory over one of Africa’s most experienced clubs has positioned them as a dangerous underdog heading into the group stage. 

"You speak a lot about [Al] Hilal, quarterfinalists last season. You speak about Sundowns, finalists last season, you speak about MC Alger, quarterfinalists last season and then, not a lot is spoken about Lupopo and I think those are the two big games for all three of the teams that we speak about because they beat Orlando Pirates,” Mokwena said.

“We know the pedigree of Pirates, we know Pirates this season, you see in the league their performances and they beat Pirates convincingly in Congo. I watched the game, I watched even the game in Orlando and they will be a very difficult team. 

“They are well coached, a lot of physicality, a lot of very aggressive runners and speed especially in the offensive line. So, it's gonna be very interesting, it's gonna be a very tight group but we are excited about the opportunity to compete and to try to do better than last season, that's the main message." 

READ: Jessica Wade shares expectations as team hosts UWC in HWBSL clash

Mokwena pointed out that reigning champions Pyramids as well as Sundowns will never be ruled out given their experience in the competition. 

"It's a difficult group, I know a lot of people talk about them of course and rightfully so, Sundowns and Al Hilal for sure because you guys know I speak a lot about football heritage, even while I was in South Africa and that doesn't change you've got to romanticise the Champions League for many, many years before,” the coach added.

“It can eventually let you in, Pyramids are a very, very good example where in the fourth year of the group they won the Champions League but that was after many, many attempts in strengthening the team and playing with the same players. 

“Traoré [Eric] in the midfield, they've got some very, very good players and it's still the same team that we played against two, three years ago in the group stages. So, when eventually they start to win the Champions League, it is by no surprise for me."