Sundowns Legend Warns: “Lupopo Will Target Star Players Without VAR”
Mamelodi Sundowns legend Teko Modise has issued a blunt warning ahead of Saturday’s CAF Champions League group-stage opener against Saint-Éloi Lupopo, urging his former club to brace for “dirty tricks” from the Congolese outfit.
Lupopo return to South Africa only weeks after their chaotic visit to Orlando Stadium, where their disruptive antics overshadowed the football. Defender Dieumerci Mukoko Amale and coach Guy Bukasa were both suspended by CAF following violent conduct and unsporting behaviour, contributing to a volatile atmosphere that even drew sanctions against Orlando Pirates.
Modise, who knows both clubs intimately, believes Sundowns have the quality to dominate Lupopo — but only if they stay emotionally disciplined.
“From a football point of view, Lupopo can’t match Sundowns — even at 40%,” Modise said on the Pitchside Podcast.
“The issue is not football. It’s how dirty they can get and how they target star players. Without VAR, you must expect off-the-ball incidents.”
He warned that Congolese sides often rely on grit and chaos rather than flair, and stressed that Sundowns must enter the fixture with a hardened mindset.
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso appears to share those concerns. Reflecting on similar flashpoints in past continental fixtures, Cardoso said the team has been drilled on emotional control and situational awareness.
“Anything that doesn’t serve the match stays in the locker room,” Cardoso said.
“We must remain calm, focused and avoid being dragged into noise or confusion. Decisions suffer when emotions take over.”
Saturday’s clash is crucial for Sundowns, who are out to set the tone in Group C, which also includes MC Alger and Al Hilal. With expectations sky-high after last season’s defeat in the final, the pressure is on Cardoso to finally deliver the Champions League title that has eluded the club since 2016.
Modise remains confident in Sundowns’ superiority — as long as they don’t fall into Lupopo’s traps.
How to watch Live
Mamelodi Sundowns vs FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo
Saturday, 22 November
Kick-off: 15h00
Live on SABC 2 You can also stream the clash on sabc-plus.com or on the SABC Plus App