Pyramids' South African coach, Rolani Mokwena, praised the strength of the Egyptian Premier League, spoke about the role of Mamdouh Eid, the club's CEO, in the team's development, and revealed Pyramids' ambitions for the new season.
Pyramids are preparing to face Kenya's Gor Mahia in the first leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round next Sunday.
Mokwena said on MBC Masr 2 channel: "I was aware of the Egyptian league at the beginning, but I am extremely impressed by what the Egyptian Football Association is doing, especially regarding the distinctive capabilities I have personally witnessed and seen."
He continued, "The Egyptian league is highly competitive and includes very strong teams. It has started strongly, which is an understandable beginning, and it will be a season full of competition."
He added, "Mamdouh Eid deserves great credit; he is a magnificent leader with extensive experience, a seasoned man with deep knowledge of all sports, not just football."
He further stated, "We have benefited greatly from him, as he possesses all the qualities of leadership in sports, which has significantly helped the group grow and improve."
He continued, "It is my pleasure and pride to be an integral part of this great institution. All clubs are strong, so we work and prepare for everyone based on this principle."
He emphasized, "The Egyptian league has great potential, and we have high ambitions and hopes. We are trying to achieve some important and significant steps and goals."
He revealed, "Certainly, Al-Ahly and Zamalek are the two clubs that have achieved great success in the Egyptian league throughout history, and I naturally appreciate their capabilities."
He continued, "There are many clubs I have seen recently, such as Ceramica Cleopatra and Al-Masry, who delivered a highly competitive match in their last game. Abu Qir Fertilizers is also a very good team with an excellent squad of players."
Regarding Pyramids defender Ahmed Samy, he said: "Ahmed Samy deserved to be part of the Egypt national team; he has the ability to qualify for it. He does not make technical mistakes and defends excellently."
Concerning the rivalry with Al-Ahly and Zamalek, he said: "The competition with Al-Ahly and Zamalek is a strong sporting marathon, where everyone plays and tries to reach the top positions."
He added, "I have seen many complexities in recent matches, and the club always tries to compete with everyone and chase the title until the very last moment."
He continued, "We always want to improve season after season, and together we can make a difference, but we must focus only on ourselves and develop match by match."
He stressed, "Through what we present, we look only to our fans who are waiting for us, and we defend our fan base."
He concluded, "Football must be attractive to all spectators, and we are focusing on ourselves to achieve success in the new season."
Mokwena led Pyramids in three rounds of the Egyptian Premier League, achieving a perfect record with victories over Ghazl El-Mahalla, Abu Qir Fertilizers, and Al-Masry.
Pyramids finished last season in second place behind Zamalek, the league champions, by a margin of two points.
