Pyramids appeal to CAF as SA visa issues block Fiston Mayele and co.

One such key player not available for Pyramids is free-scoring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) international Fiston Mayele, while four other regulars also missed the trip. 

With South African authorities having refused the players entry into the country, Pacheco is calling for intervention from CAF in situations of this nature.

"The directors have tried to do everything and they couldn't get a visa for him, but what I know and what I'm waiting for is CAF, along with the clubs and embassies, to have cooperation in order for them to apply or give visas to the players," said Pacheco.

"He [Mayele] is a football player, he will come here to play a football match, he will not come here to do any other thing, he is with a group of players and a group from the club, so I believe they [CAF] can ease the way for clubs and everyone."

Earlier this year, Mayele came to play in Rustenburg in the CAF Confederation Cup with his previous club Young Africans and there were no issues. 

The Portuguese-born coach says they have had no choice but to look at how they would fill the gaps of their missing players.

"Unfortunately other players from our team are also not here, which is limiting our technical options during the match. I know our management did everything they can for Mayele to be here, but it's a matter of bureaucracy and laws that visas have been declined," he added.

"So, as I already said, we have to always back up our players and those who will be available for the team to play, and we have to give the confidence to them."