Krunoslav Jurcic coach of Pyramids during the Caf Champions League 2024/25 Pyramids Press Conference on the 24 April 2025 at 30 June Stadium © Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Friday Apr 25, 2025. 15:00
Pyramids head coach Krunoslav Jurcic is hoping to continue their “remarkable journey” in the CAF Champions League when they host Orlando Pirates in the semi-final decider on Friday night.
The tie is delicately poised after Jurcic’s side held the Buccaneers to a 0-0 draw in the first leg at the FNB Stadium on April 19, keeping their third clean sheet away from home in the competition this season.
The New Cairo outfit have a formidable record on home soil, winning all six of their matches on the continent since the first qualifying round, although Pirates are the only team still unbeaten after 13 games in Africa.
However, Jurcic is banking on Pyramids’ stellar home form to see them through to a first-ever final appearance and believes they fully deserve to lift the coveted trophy on June 1.
“We are facing a tough match against Orlando Pirates, and I believe that any team reaching the semi-finals will present a challenge because they are one of the top-four clubs on the continent,” the Croatian said in his pre-match press conference.
“I have full confidence in my players. We will deliver a stronger performance in Cairo and capitalise on every opportunity to score against Orlando Pirates.
“We respect the talk about Orlando’s strength in away matches and their victories against Ahly and MC Alger. However, we also have a record of never losing at home, we always win here. That is our strength, and we will leverage it.
“We’re in an excellent phase, both technically and physically. Reaching the semi-finals is a proud milestone, but our aim is to win tomorrow, secure a ticket to the final, and continue this remarkable journey. We deserve this moment and to lift the Champions League trophy.”
