Saint Eloi Lupopo CEO Jean-Luc Kapend sends FRIENDLY warning to Mamelodi Sundowns

Saint Eloi Lupopo Chief Executive Officer, Jean-Luc Kapend, has light-heartedly warned Mamelodi Sundowns to be ready for a challenge following his team’s thrilling victory over Orlando Pirates in the CAF Champions League.

The Congolese outfit stunned the Buccaneers with a 3-0 win in Lubumbashi, only to lose by the same margin in the return leg at the Orlando Stadium. With the tie level at 3-3 on aggregate, Lupopo held their nerve to win 5-4 on penalties, advancing to the group stage for the first time in years.

Buoyed by that success, Kapend believes his side can test the South African champions, who have already made a statement in the competition by defeating Nigeria’s Remo Stars 7-1 on aggregate.

Speaking on Metro FM’s SNAWA, Kapend acknowledged Lupopo’s limited experience at this level but expressed confidence in their ability to grow stronger with each game.

“For us, we are still learning in this competition; it’s been a long time since Lupopo last played in the Champions League, and now we are proud to be in the group stages,” Kapend said.

“We are focused on going to the quarterfinals, that’s the focus for the team now. We will fight for it, and we are going to learn match after match.

“I am coming to South Africa on Saturday for the draw on Monday, and next time when we come there, we will beat Mamelodi [Sundowns].

“We will play Mamelodi Sundowns, we have to play against them, we need to play against Pyramid, RS Berkane, and all the teams at that level as well [in order to learn].”

Kapend further noted that facing elite clubs such as Sundowns, Pyramids, and RS Berkane would provide Lupopo the experience needed to grow into serious contenders.

The CAF Champions League group stage draw is scheduled for Monday, November 3, in Johannesburg, and a potential clash between Lupopo and the high-flying Masandawana could soon be on the cards.