Jose Peseiro: Zamalek aims for a positive result against Stellenbosch

Zamalek coach José Peseiro. Photo Credit: Zamalek SC

Zamalek head coach José Peseiro stated that the match against South Africa’s Stellenbosch in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals will be a tough challenge.

Zamalek will face Stellenbosch away on Wednesday at 13:00 GMT at the Cape Town Stadium in South Africa's legislative capital.

In the pre-match press conference, Peseiro said: "Tomorrow’s match will be intense. It is a two-legged tie. Stellenbosch is a team that was founded only a few years ago but they are well organized on the pitch, have good players and a strong coach. Surely, they are eager to win and continue their journey in the competition."

He continued: "Zamalek aims to secure a victory and deliver a strong performance to take a step forward toward qualification."

Peseiro further indicated: "We are looking to achieve a positive result in the first leg against Stellenbosch. Football in South Africa has progressed significantly, and the stadiums here are of excellent quality. When I played against South Africa’s national team in the AFCON semi-finals, it was a difficult match. Their squad included eight players from the same club, which reflected their well-organized style of play on the field."

The Portuguese coach added: "I have not won any trophies with Zamalek yet but I am determined to claim the CAF Confederation Cup title, allowing the club to lift the trophy for a second consecutive season. We have studied Stellenbosch thoroughly and we will fight hard to achieve the best possible result tomorrow."

Zamalek captain Omar Gaber also spoke in the press conference: "This match is very important for us. We are aware that football in South Africa has improved significantly. Tomorrow, we will be facing a strong team, and we will give our all in the match. Playing the first leg away from home makes it crucial for us to get a positive result to make our task easier in the return leg. We will do everything possible to win."

He also stressed that the entire squad is highly focused on achieving a favorable result and emphasized Zamalek’s full respect for their opponent.