CAFCL Preview: Orlando Pirates (RSA) vs Pyramids FC (EGY)
- Andrew Olsson
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
The CAF Champions League semifinal has one matchup that sees two dominant clubs facing off with Mamelodi Sundowns against defending champions Al Ahly. However, the other semifinal will see another big spending club in Pyramids FC taking on an Orlando Pirates team that is finding success through the development of youth academy products. Read more on the semifinal below.
Leg 1: April 19 in Johannesburg, South Africa (17:00 GMT)
Leg 2: April 25 in Cairo, Egypt (19:00 GMT)
Orlando Pirates (RSA)
While the other three teams in the semifinals have used their massive bankrolls to reach the latter stages of the Champions League, Pirates are a well coached team with future stars making an impact now. While it seems like an almost impossible task to challenge South Africa's dominant club, Mamelodi Sundowns, the Buccaneers have proven it is possible and have separated themselves from the rest of the pack.
Coach: José Riveiro
Pirates were laughed at when they brought in the Spanish coach in 2022. Riveiro lacked a sparkling CV after time spent as a youth coach in his native Spain before spending seven years ironing out his coaching abilities in Finnish football. However, the tactician has been simply brilliant over his time in South Africa and is set to leave at the end of the season on amicable terms, regarded as one of the best coaches in the history of one of South Africa's legendary clubs.
Riveiro has consistently proven his ability to win the tactical battle in the Champions League, overseeing a stubborn defense while making the most of an attack filled with young and temperamental players.
Pirates continue to rely on their defense as the foundation to help them compete with the higher salaried clubs they continue to defeat. Veteran Nkosinathi Sibisi is the leader of the unit and has plenty of support in the form of 19-year-old Mbekezilie Mbokazi, who only made his professional debut a little more than a month ago.
Deano van Rooyen is a defense first right back who is tough in the tackle while Thapelo Xoki is another experienced option who is best in a central role. Another major revelation this season is veteran defensive midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula, a 35-year-old journeyman who has been absolutely remarkable this season.
Next to Makhaula in the midfield is Thalente Mbatha who can contribute both in defense and attack, breaking into the South Africa national team setup at the end of 2024. But of course the emerging star is Relebohile Mofokeng, a diminutive playmaker with excellent close control and developing vision that is capable of unlocking defenses.
Mofokeng's fellow Pirates youth academy graduate, Mohau Nkota, is getting less attention but is another stellar dribbler whose final ball continues to improve. Namibia national team leader Deon Hotto is an experienced hand on the left wing who provides excellent service. Evidence Makgoba is a physically imposing forward whose scoring record is underwhelming while Tshegofatso Mabasa is his competition, a very streaky goal scorer who has fallen out of favor recently.
Pyramids FC (EGY)
A club that only recently came into existence, Pyramids does not hide their attempts to buy their way into relevance in a Cairo football scene dominated by Al Ahly and Zamalek. While winning a trophy was elusive, Pyramids are finally beginning to see success by winning the Egypt Cup last season.
Now the most prized trophy is within their grasp. A CAF Champions League title would be the true breakthrough that is most highly valued and an appearance in the final is a distinct possibility. Combined with their status as current Egyptian Premier League leaders, the 2024-25 season could truly be the campaign that Pyramids have dreamed about.
Head Coach: Krunoslav Jurčić
A member of Croatia's famous third place finishing side at the 1998 FIFA World Cup as a player, Jurčić began his coaching career in his native Croatia and in Slovenia before venturing to Turkey and then the Middle East. Jurčić has done well to manage a squad that has had to deal with injuries throughout the season.
Jurčić highly values possession but with the diversity of talent in the team, Pyramids can play more direct and counter-attack when the situation calls for it. As a result of their ability on the ball as a team, Pyramids' control of the ball reduces the pressure on a defense that lacks pace in the center. However, Jurčić will have to improvise with an attack that is far from fully healthy at an important point of the season.
The greatest strength of Pyramids is their consistent fullbacks, Egyptian left back Mohamed Hamdi and Moroccan right back Mohamed Chibi. Both are steady attacking presences and it will be interesting to see how they fare against Pirates' defense-first flank defenders. The center of defense features two physically strong and experienced players in Ali Gabr and Ahmed Samy who lack pace in open spaces.
Burkina Faso national team midfielder Ibrahim Touré is an important contributor in the heart of the Pyramids midfield who is just returning from injury. In case he cannot go the full distance, Mohanad Lasheen is another defensive midfielder while Moroccan Walid El Karti is more of a two-way player who can complement either player.
The attack is a concern. Striker Fiston Mayele is available but has not performed at his highest level. Star player Ibrahim Adel is out injured for an extended period and it is up to Ramadan Sobhi and Mostafa Fathi, two mercurial and unpredictable attackers, to provide service and goal scoring ability behind Mayele.