Pyramids determined to avoid costly slip-ups after last season’s lesson

Pyramids assistant coach Moatasem Salem says the club has learned from last season and is determined not to drop points as it competes for trophies on several fronts.

Pyramids secured their place in the group stage of the CAF Champions League with a 4-0 victory over Bentiu, the South Sudan champions.

“We learned from last season’s lesson and are trying to win every match because a draw or defeat in the middle of the season could cost us the title,” Salem told On Sport.

Pyramids’ strong start has seen them move to the top of the Egyptian Premier League with a perfect record of 21 points from seven wins.

They have also won 12 successive matches this season, having prevailed in every game they have played across all competitions.

Salem said the club’s ambitions extended beyond a single tournament and that the squad would be managed with the Capital Cup in mind.

“Pyramids’ aim is to compete for every competition they take part in, as well as preparing all the players for the Capital Cup,” he added.

The assistant coach also rejected the idea that South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns were the only major threat in Africa.

“The African competition is strong and it is not only Sundowns,” he said. “There are many big teams such as Esperance, RS Berkane and Orlando Pirates competing for the title, as well as Zamalek.”