CAFCL: Pyramids coach promises a stronger performance in Cairo

Krunoslav Jurčić, Croatian coach of Pyramids FC, said that the upcoming match against Orlando Pirates will be extremely difficult due to the strength of the opponent.

He stressed that any team that reaches the semifinals must be very strong and that the Pirates are one of the top four clubs on the continent, making the clash a tough one for both sides.

Pyramids will host South Africa’s Orlando Pirates at 6:00 PM GMT on Friday at 30 June Stadium in the second leg of the CAF Champions League semifinals, after the first leg in South Africa ended in a goalless draw.

Jurčić expressed strong confidence in his players. Just as he had promised a big performance in Johannesburg—and delivered—he now promises an even stronger and better showing in Cairo, with the team aiming to take full advantage of every opportunity to score.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Jurčić said: “Of course, I respect those who speak about Orlando’s strength away from home and point to their wins on the road against teams like Al Ahly and MC Alger. But at the same time, there’s also a statistic that says Pyramids don’t lose at home and always win, and this is our point of strength—we will rely on it.”

The coach added: “We are in an excellent stage right now, going through a wonderful period both technically and physically. We’re happy to have reached this point and to be in the semi-final. Our goal is to win tomorrow and secure qualification to the final, to continue this wonderful and honorable journey. My players deserve this moment and deserve to win the Champions League.”

The head coach confirmed the readiness of Ramadan Sobhi, Sodiq Awujoola and the rest of the squad for the match against Orlando Pirates, emphasizing: “The team is full of enthusiasm. If not for bad luck, we would have achieved a big win in Johannesburg—we scored two goals that were disallowed and missed many chances. Tomorrow, we must take advantage of all opportunities to score and qualify, while avoiding recklessness and leaving spaces for the opponent.”