Portić Seeks to Defend Africa as Pyramids Host Rivers United in Group-Stage Opener

Match context and squad status

Croatian manager Krunoslav Portić of Pyramids FC underscored the significance of the upcoming CAF Champions League group-stage clash with Rivers United, slated for Saturday at the Defense Stadium in Cairo.

The coach noted that the club enters the continental season with big ambitions, aiming to defend last year’s crown and to stay atop African football.

Pyramids has established itself as one of the continent’s leading clubs. While reaching the pinnacle is hard, maintaining it is even tougher, a challenge this season that the team approaches with determination and focus.

He added that the aim is to win every match, home and away, and that this approach has powered the club’s success over the past two seasons, with domestic and continental momentum carrying it forward this campaign.

Despite this confidence, Portić acknowledged notable injuries and absences early in the season. Ramadan Sobhi, Osama Jalal, and Mustafa Fathi are out, while Mohamed El-Shaiby and Fiston Mayele return only late after participating in Africa’s awards, limiting their physical preparation ahead of the opener.

Nevertheless, the Croatian coach stressed that the squad’s strength remains intact, noting that the group that won all major titles last season is the same one leading the charge this campaign. He emphasized that the team’s power comes from unity and discipline, and that they will play with intensity and concentration to secure the win and avoid excuses.

In a broader context, Portić touched on how the club handles players' involvement with local national teams, a topic tied to the upcoming fixtures and the crowded calendar of continental and domestic competitions.

National team policy and goalkeeper notes

Portić stated clearly that Pyramids does not release players to local national teams, agreeing to national-team duty only for the senior national team in official international windows. As Africa’s champions, he affirmed, players deserve opportunities with top national teams.

He also said the club has informed all federations of this policy to respect the players’ efforts and the team’s packed schedule across continental and domestic competitions.

Athletic captain and goalkeeper Ahmed El-Shenawy shared his belief in a strong start in Cairo, stressing that a victory in the opening round would help cement continental dominance and provide a significant morale boost in the title defense.

During the press conference, Shenawy described the opening match as a key to the tournament, noting that a win would accelerate entry into the competition and reinforce the club’s aspirations to defend the title. He warned that every opponent now treats Pyramids as a formidable force because they are current champions.

He also highlighted talks with teammates about battling in every game, especially since opponents approach fixtures with maximum focus and desire to topple the titleholders, turning each match into a mini-final.

Shenawy praised playing the first game at home, stressing that home turf and strong crowd support provide a major incentive to win and to make a powerful early statement in the continental campaign.

He added that starting on home soil is a major advantage, and the team intends to exploit it to prove superiority and maintain a steady continental run.

Africa awards criteria

Shenawy addressed the issue of not winning Africa’s Best Goalkeeper award this year despite Pyramids’ success, questioning the selection process. He said the lack of the award is not the end, but rather extra motivation to work harder and aim to win it next season.

The goalkeeper was among the initial nominees for Africa’s Best Goalkeeper award, alongside prominent names from across the continent.

Pyramids is wrapping up preparations for the highly anticipated clash with a high level of focus in the camp, determined to write a new chapter in their successful continental journey and to prove that their CAF Champions League triumph was not a fluke but the result of stability, planning, and ambition.

Punchline time: If defending a title were a sniper’s job, Portić would have the scope set to “defense” and the crosshairs on the trophy. And if anyone doubts the plan, remember: the ball isn’t afraid of a little tough love—just asks to go home with a medal.

Punchline time 2: In football, the only thing sharper than Portić’s tactical mind is his ability to turn coffee into game-day energy—and yes, the defense still sleeps with one eye open, just in case the whistle sneaks by.