Pyramids FC Head Coach Rhulani Mokwena has rejected suggestions that the Egyptian giants carry any psychological upper hand ahead of their first-leg clash against Gor Mahia at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Mokwena highlighted Gor Mahia’s intense pre-season itinerary including their run to the CECAFA Kagame Cup final and the FKF Super Cup as proof of their big-game readiness.
“They’ve already got a very good squad, with Alpha Onyango in the midfield,his physicality, strong in the duels, strong with the pass. Frank Odhiambo at centre-back, and Shariff Musa up front; he can play on the left, right, or as a second striker.”
The 2025 CAF Champions League winners enter the clash with significant match fitness under their belt, having already played four competitive fixtures.
In contrast, Gor Mahia are yet to kick off their domestic league campaign, with local top-flight action plunged into uncertainty due to ongoing court processes that have delayed the start of the Sportpesa League.
“They’ve had good competitive games. They played in the Super Cup, and they had the CECAFA tournament where they did very well. I don’t see any type of advantage that we have in that regard. They’ve made 11 new signings and have a good coach with a top pedigree.”
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Mokwena emphasized his ambition to cement a fluid tactical philosophy for Pyramids FC as they look to build a lasting legacy across the continent.
“I’m like a painter creating a masterpiece. This is Pyramids’ style of play. It’s different from Al Ahly and Zamalek. They have history, but we want to build our own identity, establish it, and send a message to the fans,this is who we are.”
Pyramids may not have decades of history, but we know many fans love a winning team. If we win and play good football, we will attract the fans, as we have already seen in some matches where the stadium was packed.”
Mokwena took the helm at Pyramids FC in July 2026 following his exit from Libyan club Al Ittihad, with the Cairo club citing his vast experience across African football as the key driver for his appointment.
The South African succeeded Croatian manager Krunoslav Jurčić, who departed at the expiration of his contract after a successful two-year spell.
Despite guiding the club to a historic trophy haul including their maiden CAF Champions League title, CAF Super Cup, FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup, and consecutive Egypt Cup triumphs,Jurčić’s exit made way for Pyramids to refresh their leadership and pursue Mokwena, a long-term target whom the club had tracked for two years.