Pirates' Champions League fate now rests with CAF judicial ruling

ORLANDO Pirates' hopes of continuing in the CAF Champions League have moved from the pitch to the boardroom after their dramatic second-round defeat to Congolese side Saint-Eloi Lupopo. The Soweto giants lost 3-0 in Lubumbashi, staged a thrilling 3-0 comeback at home, and eventually fell 5-4 on penalties. While the tie ended in heartbreak, Pirates have lodged three separate complaints with CAF against Lupopo's coach, Guy Bukasa and two players, Henoc Molia and Ramos Kashala Wanet, over alleged eligibility violations. The complaints centre on serious allegations. Pirates claim Bukasa was suspended by CAF following an incident at the Under-20 AFCON and should not have been allowed on the bench. Molia is alleged to have been registered outside the official transfer window, while Kashala's registration is under scrutiny because he reportedly holds two passports. CAF's disciplinary structures are now investigating these matters. Allegedly, there is optimism in the Pirates camp, with one unnamed source saying, "Yes, there's definitely a chance for Pirates in this case. The main issue is how Saint Lupopo will prove that the player in question was registered before the deadline." CAF has confirmed the complaints are being handled through its judicial structures. Head of TV and Communications, Lux September, told journalists that the organisation is aware of the protests and that they are being processed through CAF's competent judicial channels. He emphasised that the judicial process is independent and that CAF maintains a separation between administrative operations and judicial proceedings. "When? I don't know. How? I don't know. What? I don't know. It's an independent process that is happening, and we respect, and we create this wall between the administrative side and the judicial bodies that exist. So we'll cross that bridge when we get to it," September added. Historical precedent suggests that Pirates could have a pathway back into the competition. In 2016, Mamelodi Sundowns were reinstated into the CAF Champions League after AS Vita Club were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player.