Pyramids FC coach: Sundowns clash is the biggest challenge in my career

Croatian coach Krunoslav Jurcic, the head coach of Egypt’s Pyramids FC, expressed his immense pride in leading his team to the final of the CAF Champions League, describing the achievement as a reward for himself, his players, and everyone working at the club for the tremendous effort made throughout the season.

Pyramids are going to visit South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the final, scheduled for 1:00 PM GMT on Saturday, May 24, at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. The return leg will be played at 8:00 PM on Sunday, June 1, at the Air Defense Stadium in Cairo.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Jurcic said:

“Reaching the CAF Champions League final—the biggest competition on the continent, featuring Africa’s elite—after less than seven years since the club’s founding and in only its second participation in the tournament, is nothing short of a miracle. No one expected this from the team, but I believe in my players and their ability to win the title, despite the strength and experience of our opponent.”

“The Sundowns clash is the biggest challenge I have faced throughout my coaching career in football.”

The head coach emphasized:

“My team has great players, and I am proud to lead this exceptional group of stars—a blend of youth and experience. I am confident that the fans who will fill Loftus Versfeld Stadium will witness a strong performance from Pyramids, who are capable of securing a positive result before the return leg in Cairo.”

He added:

“I told my players during the team talk that we didn’t come here to sit back and defend against Sundowns. We must take the initiative and aim to score in Pretoria.”

Jurcic also highlighted the club’s packed schedule, saying:

“Pyramids are competing on all fronts, and in just ten days, we will play three finals across three different competitions. It will be the first time in history that a team plays a decisive Egyptian Premier League match between two legs of the CAF Champions League final. Pyramids rely solely on the support of their management, the trust of their players, and the pride they take in themselves and their ability to win trophies.”