Head coach of Pyramids FC Krunoslav Jurčić wants his players eschew pressure ahead of the high-stake CAF Champions League final first leg clash against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The South African outfit will play host to Pyramids in the first leg at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium before the return leg clash in Cairo, Egypt.
Ahead of the clash, Jurčić has made an unusual but strategic demand of his squad, urging them to play with joy and eschew pressure.
The Croatian tactician emphasized that mental freedom will be the ultimate weapon against Sundowns, insisting his players must “savor the occasion rather than dread it.”
In a revealing team talk, Jurčić acknowledged the inevitable nerves surrounding continental finals but argued that Sundowns—despite their home advantage—face equal psychological burdens.
“Show your true quality, not your anxiety,” he advised, framing the match as a rare opportunity rather than a threat. His approach reflects Pyramids’ ambitious preparations for Africa’s biggest stage, where overcoming mental barriers may prove as crucial as tactical execution against the South African champions.
