Pyramids Bet Big to Keep Their Goal-Scoring Dynamo Mayili as Saudi Interest Grows

Mayili’s Impact at Pyramids

The management of Pyramids SC has taken concrete steps to secure Congolese striker Veston Maiyili, whose contract runs out in June, amid the standout performances he has delivered since joining the club in 2023 from Young Africans SC. At 31 years old, Maiyili quickly established himself as one of the top forwards in the Egyptian league and on the continent. Although his current deal ends this season, the club has formally offered a renewal for two additional years to recognize his substantial value on the pitch.

Numbers and Consistency

Since donning the Pyramids jersey, Maiyili has proven he can make the difference. He has scored 45 goals and provided 8 assists in 96 appearances for the club. This season he has already netted 6 goals in 10 appearances and added a single assist, underscoring that his goal-scoring trajectory remains strong.

One of his standout moments came in the Inter-Continental Cup when he struck a historic hat-trick against Saudi powerhouse Al-Ahli, guiding Pyramids to a 3-1 victory in Jeddah.

On the continental stage, Maiyili continued to shine, scoring a brace against APR FC (Rwanda’s Army team) to secure a 2-0 win in the first leg of the CAF Confederation/Champions League tie, as the team prepared for the return leg in Cairo on the upcoming Sunday.

Saudi Interest and Future Movements

Despite Pyramids’ firm hold on their top scorer, reports indicate interest from Saudi clubs, notably Al-Fateh and Al-Hazem, though no official negotiations have progressed to formal talks. The supply of experience across Africa is a key asset in Maiyili’s profile and may draw attention from quarters seeking a proven addition for continental campaigns.

Maiyili began his professional career with Simba (DR Congo), later moving to Vita Club in 2019, before joining Young Africans in 2021. Across his career, he has earned recognition as a top scorer in CAF competitions and has continued to build on that legacy with Pyramids, including leading the line in Africa’s most competitive club tournaments.

An International Note with Congo’s National Team

Maiyili’s prowess extends to his national team, the DR Congo, for which he has earned 28 caps and scored 5 goals. Pyramids was formally notified of his involvement with the Congolese squad during a preparatory camp scheduled for 6–14 October ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Togo and Sudan.

Beyond Maiyili, the club also saw calls from the Moroccan national team for right-back Mamdouh Shibi, who will feature in World Cup qualifiers and friendlies, while Burkina Faso international Blati Touré has been recalled for friendlies against Sierra Leone and Ethiopia, reflecting Pyramids’ strong standing in African football.

Official Gratitude and Club Milestones

In another front, Pyramids’ board expressed sincere gratitude to Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Ashraf Sobhi and the Egyptian Football Association president Hany Abu Rida for their steadfast support, which the club credits for helping them secure recent continental achievements.

The team recently etched its name in history by winning the Intercontinental Cup, with earlier wins over Auckland City in the group stages and a continued advance toward the semi-finals, reinforcing Pyramids’ stature on the world stage. The club’s CEO, Mamdouh Eid, praised the backing and reiterated that Pyramids will push hard to complete their successful journey in the global tournament, scheduled to culminate in Qatar in December.

The CAF Super Cup and The Road Ahead

The CAF announced the date for the CAF Super Cup clash between Pyramids and Renaissance Berkane of Morocco: October 18, at the Defense Stadium in Cairo, kick-off at 8 PM local time. The match will be officiated by a Sudanese referee, Mahmoud Ismail, with a Kenyan and Mauritanian officiating team and video-assist provided by a Ghanaian official, along with coordination from regional supervisors. A broad team of observers, coordinators, and security staff will support the event, underscoring the scale of the fixture.

With Maiyili’s future at a crossroads, Pyramids sits at a pivotal juncture—deciding on his long-term contract while preparing for high-stakes continental ties, including the CAF Champions League and the Super Cup, and aiming to continue writing their name among Africa’s football elites.

Punchlines: If Maiyili signs that two-year extension, the only thing longer than his contract will be the highlight reels; and if he heads to Saudi, at least the Onion will finally have a new transfer saga to season the off-season—one that doesn’t involve rain delays on the pitch.