Pyramids coach asks his players to break free from pressure before the final

Ahead of their high-stakes first-leg clash against Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League final, Pyramids FC manager Krunoslav Jurčić has made an unusual but strategic demand of his squad: Play with joy, not pressure.

The Croatian tactician emphasized that mental freedom will be the ultimate weapon against Sundowns, insisting his players must "savor the occasion rather than dread it." In a revealing team talk, Jurčić acknowledged the inevitable nerves surrounding continental finals but argued that Sundowns—despite their home advantage—face equal psychological burdens.

"Show your true quality, not your anxiety," he advised, framing the match as a rare opportunity rather than a threat. His approach reflects Pyramids' ambitious preparations for Africa's biggest stage, where overcoming mental barriers may prove as crucial as tactical execution against the South African champions.