Some names carry their meaning, don’t they? Take Saint Eloi Lupopo for instance, which can be loosely translated as “Saint, my God, it’s lightning” – a striking combination of words.
The Lubumbashi-based side “reigned thunder” on the Sea Robbers in their buzzing backyard last week, taking the wind out of their sails as they beat them 3-0 in the first leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary qualifiers’ second round.
And so, as Orlando Pirates return to their spiritual home, the Orlando Stadium, on Saturday night (3pm kick-off), eager to breathe some air back into the skull and crossbones of the Ghost – by rescuing the tie and sailing into the competition’s group stage – they know they have tough waters to navigate.
Pirates need to score at least three unanswered goals to salvage the tie, which would then go to extra time. Four unanswered goals would see them march straight into the group stage.
Analysing the squad that the captain of the ship, Abdeslam Ouaddou, has at his disposal, Pirates should be able to get the job done. Most of their talismans are international players, some of whom played key roles in helping Bafana Bafana qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, and Evidence Makgopa were all on the scoresheet when Bafana beat Rwanda in a must-win final qualifier in Mbombela a few weeks ago, proving they have big-match temperament.
So, as they try to navigate these uncharted territories, Ouaddou needs those personnel who can withstand and understand the pressure, as failure to reach the promised land, the group stage, could put him under intense scrutiny now or in the near future.
Pirates steered themselves into the clear waters of the semi-finals last season under coach José Riveiro, and although that was nowhere near the shores of their 1995 triumph, it still brought pride to those affiliated with the club.
The semi-final run wasn’t achieved by a heavily talented bunch of players, but by a united and largely youthful group unearthed within the club. These included Relebohile Mofokeng, Mbekezeli, and Mohau Nkota.
When these youngsters showed their ability to sail among the giants of African football, it was a fitting return on the club’s investment. Under Ouaddou, that investment has multiplied incredibly, with the club going to great lengths and breadths across the land to find the best players money can buy.
So, winning a record-extending fourth MTN8 crown was pleasing for the Ghost and the club’s management, but the CAF Champions League and Betway Premiership remain the ultimate prizes everyone is chasing.
Kudos to Ouaddou and his men, they are in cruise mode in the league after winning their last few games. But the buck doesn’t stop there. They are expected to adopt the same approach and navigation strategy on the continental stage.
Luckily for them, it’s said lightning never strikes the same place twice. So, they’re not expected to concede more than three goals in the same tie.
However, the defensive structure, led by goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, will know they can’t afford to hit any icebergs or leak goals — that would hand Lupopo an extra advantage. Coincidentally, Lupopo have scored in their last two visits to South Africa.
One can only hope that the extended pre-match training session — which resulted in journalists staging a walkout at the Orlando Pirates auditorium after waiting almost an hour for Ouaddou — will bear fruit on Saturday, and that the Sea Robbers will steer themselves towards the promised land: the group stage!
