FIFA CWC 2025: “Esperance is not scared of big names” – Kanzari

Photo Credit – CAFOnline Media.

Head coach of Esperance Sportive de Tunis, Maher Kanzari has expressed confidence ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign in the United States of America.

The Tunis based club, who are the most successful in Tunisia and on the continental front, are paired in Group D alongside English giants Chelsea, Brazilian powerhouse Flamengo and Mexico’s Club Leon.

The Blood and Gold will complete the group stage of the tournament against Premier League giants Chelsea on June 25 and Kanzari who spent three seasons with Esperance remains confident that they will not be scared of any club.

“As I’ve said, there’s no fear here. These are football matches at the highest level, every player is hungry to play in a tournament like the Club World Cup,” Kanzari told the FIFA official website.

“That’s why we’re not afraid of anything. We’re a big team, and they’re big teams too. True, they may look better on paper, but this is football – anything can happen. Espérance don’t cower before anyone. “We bring our full might into every match. We’re determined to deliver a great performance that is worthy of our reputation, just like always.

“This is football, and the landscape is constantly shifting. We saw plenty of surprises even at the last World Cup, like Morocco’s deep run.

“And we’ve seen teams like Mazembe and Raja reach the final of [FIFA tournaments]. That’s the nature of football: Every team has a chance to advance, succeed, win and achieve its dreams. The pitch is open to everyone.”

Esperance will represent the African continent alongside South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, record African champions Al Ahly and Morocco’s Wydad Athletic Club. Esperance will open their campaign against Flamingo at the Lincoln Financial Field on Tuesday, June 17.