Pyramids not expecting any trouble from friendly South African football crowds
19th April 2025
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Just a day after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) imposed heavy sanctions on clubs, officials, and players for violent scenes after the recent matches in the CAF Champions League, the Pyramids captain Dodo Elgabas says they had nothing to worry about.
On Thursday, CAF hit Orlando Pirates with hefty fines, following the fight that broke out between them and MC Alger.
The CAF disciplinary committee found Pirates guilty and ordered them to pay a fine of $5 50,00 (R941, 095).
But Elgabas is not expecting any crowd troubles at FNB stadium this afternoon.
''All the players have experience in Africa. Two years ago we were playing against Mamelodi Sundowns, it was a fantastic game, no violence, again we were in Morocco, it was a good game. As players we focus on the field and we know fans here love football and other things are not our concern. We have experience playing in all kinds of situations,'' said Elgabas.
Pirates were also fined an additional $ 20,000 (R376, 438) for failure to provide adequate security, and also had their official Ezekiel Matebula found guilty and banned for four matches, two of which are suspended for a period of one year.
Bafana Bafana players Sipho Chiane and Nkosinathi Sibisi were also found guilty and suspended for one match for improper conduct; these suspensions are also suspended for one year.
Known as the moneybags of Egyptian football but still relatively new in the continental football space, Pyramids don’t have the rich heritage in African football like their Cairo neighbours, Al Ahly and Zamalek.
Head coach Krunoslav JurÄić says this good run in the CAF Champions League and their maiden appearance in the knockout phase is helping them to enhance their profile...
''Maybe they have a special coach. I have very good players, we work in a good atmosphere. We have done a good job to be here. We are one club with not so big supporters. These big matches are a validation for the team, we have played in bigger crowds, like 30 thousand people. We have played against Zamalek, we have played against Al Ahly, playing in the Champions League and we have shown that we can be competitive in this biggest competition in Africa,'' added Elgabas.
Pyramids are one of the teams that have been playing some attractive football in the Champions League this season, and against an equally impressive and unbeaten Pirates, JurÄić is anticipating an exciting game at the Calabash...
''What I can say about the match - is that we are enjoying every moment of the competition. We have been playing good football. I do know much about Orlando, they are a very good team and we expect a tough match. People who will watch this match should look forward to a very good game,'' he expressed.
JurÄić is also coaching for the first time in Africa, and he’s now finished a year on the continent working with Pyramids, and he’s impressed with what he’s seen in South African football.
