Krunoslav Jurčić slams venue conditions as Pyramids begin CAF Champions League title defense

Pyramids FC coach Krunoslav Jurčić did not hold back ahead of his team’s CAF Champions League opener against Rwanda’s APR FC.

The Croatian manager, who guided the Egyptians to their first continental crown last season, expressed disbelief at the decision to stage the game on a poor artificial surface under punishing afternoon heat.

During his press conference, Jurčić said Rwanda has a modern stadium where his side played last year in an excellent atmosphere. “Why do they insist on holding tomorrow’s match in a different stadium and in such hot conditions?” he asked. He added that the issue goes beyond one match and questioned what it means for the image of African football.

Jurčić made clear that Pyramids traveled to Rwanda only to win, describing victory as the sole option for the defending champions. He admitted repeating the feat will be difficult but insisted the team’s goal remains the title.

The coach acknowledged Rwanda’s new-look squad, praising their quality while noting he studied their CECAFA games. “The goal is to make a strong start in the championship, of which they hold the title,” he concluded.