Rulani Mokwena tells Pyramids FC to focus on themselves in Al Ahly and Zamalek title race

Rulani Mokwena says Pyramids FC must concentrate on their own progress rather than become distracted by the challenge posed by Egyptian heavyweights Al Ahly and Zamalek, as he targets a strong season domestically and in Africa.

The South African head coach praised the quality and competitiveness of the Egyptian Premier League and said Pyramids FC were determined to build on their excellent start to the campaign.

Pyramids FC have won all three of their league matches under Mokwena, beating Ghazl El Mahalla, Abu Qir Fertilizers and Al Masry. Their next fixture is the first leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary-round tie against Kenyan side Gor Mahia on Sunday.

“I was aware of the Egyptian league at the beginning, but I am extremely impressed by what the Egyptian Football Association is doing, especially with the outstanding abilities I have personally experienced and seen,” Mokwena told MBC Masr2.

“The Egyptian league is extremely competitive and contains very strong teams. It has started strongly, and this is a beginning we understand. It will be a season full of competition.”

Mokwena also highlighted the influence of Pyramids FC chief executive Mamdouh Eid, whom he credited with helping the club and squad develop.

“Mamdouh Eid deserves a great deal of credit. He is a great leader with extensive experience, a veteran who has a great knowledge of all sports, not just football,” Mokwena said.

“We have benefited from him greatly. He possesses all the qualities of leadership in sport, and this has helped the group grow and develop considerably.”

The manager said he was proud to be part of Pyramids FC and insisted that the club were preparing for every opponent with the same level of seriousness.

“It is a source of pleasure and pride for me to be an essential part of this great institution. All the clubs are strong, so we work and prepare for everyone with this principle,” he said.

Mokwena acknowledged the historic achievements of Al Ahly and Zamalek, who have dominated Egyptian football over many years, but said the title race should be viewed as a demanding sporting contest rather than a rivalry involving only three clubs.

“Certainly, Al Ahly and Zamalek are the two clubs that have achieved great success in the Egyptian league throughout history, and of course I appreciate their abilities,” he said.

“The competition with Al Ahly and Zamalek is a strong sporting marathon, and everyone is playing and trying to reach the top positions.”

He added that several other teams had impressed him, including Ceramica Cleopatra and Al Masry, who he said had produced a highly competitive performance in their previous match. Abu Qir Fertilizers, he added, also have “a very good team and a wonderful squad of players”.

Pyramids FC finished last season as runners-up, two points behind champions Zamalek. Mokwena said the club remained focused on challenging for major honours while improving step by step.

“I saw a lot of complications during the recent matches. The club is always trying to compete with everyone and pursue the title until the final moment,” he said.

“We always want to improve from one season to the next. Together, we can make a difference, but we must focus only on ourselves and develop from one match to the next.”

Mokwena also said the team’s performances were ultimately aimed at satisfying their supporters.

“Through what we provide, we look only to our fans who are waiting for us. We are defending our supporters’ base,” he said.

“Football should be attractive to all viewers, and we are focusing on ourselves to achieve success in the new season.”