"Pyramids will win the 2025 Egypt Cup, and I think Bafana Bafana will have a great World Cup!" An expert gives his opinion on the upcoming events!

Interviews 05 June 2025 at 11:52

Hazem Mlhem

News Editor

The African continent has a lot to look forward to this year, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco and the participation of top African clubs in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

Therefore, it was good to get the opinion of some experts for all these sporting events, including Egyptian sports journalist Abdelrahman Shiref, who is one of the most prominent sports journalists on the African continent and Egypt in particular, and Abdelrahman told Foot Africa in an exclusive interview about his opinion on these important events and his predictions as well.

• Question 1: Do you believe Al Ahly can establish a new project starting from their participation in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup under the leadership of the seasoned Spanish coach José Rivero? And what, in your opinion, was the main reason for their exit from the CAF Champions League semifinals this season?

Answer:
Al Ahly is capable of delivering a strong performance in their group at the Club World Cup and may even qualify, especially since their group seems more accessible compared to others.
As for their exit from the CAF Champions League, the primary reason was reverting to an overly defensive approach. The team is unaccustomed to such tactics, and a single goal was insufficient to secure qualification, ultimately costing them dearly with a last-minute equalizer that ended their continental campaign.

• Question 2: Pyramids FC has made history for itself and Egyptian football by winning the CAF Champions League. In your view, what should the management focus on to maintain this impressive performance? And which positions need reinforcement in the upcoming season?

Answer:
In just seven seasons, Pyramids FC has achieved something monumental by winning the CAF Champions League—a title many have failed to secure. Now, the management must build on this success by strengthening the squad with more experienced players, particularly in defense, to retain the title and prepare for upcoming competitions after claiming Africa’s most prestigious club trophy.

• Question 3: There is significant interest from top African clubs, particularly in South Africa, in Congolese star Fiston Mayele. Do you think he will stay with Pyramids longer, or is it time for a new challenge?

Answer:
Fiston Mayele is one of Africa’s brightest stars, and I believe Pyramids will retain him. He is well-compensated and has successfully led the team’s project to Champions League glory. This achievement may convince him to stay rather than pursue an uncertain future elsewhere.

• Question 4:
  What are your predictions for the Egypt Cup final between African champions Pyramids and Zamalek? Also, who do you think will win the 2025 Club World Cup and next season’s CAF Champions League?

Answer:
I expect Pyramids to clinch the Egypt Cup against Zamalek. As for the Club World Cup, Paris Saint-Germain are the likely winners.

• Question 5:
  Where do you anticipate Marcel Koller’s next coaching destination to be?

Answer:
Koller has not yet settled on his next move, but he will likely take a break before returning to management, possibly in Africa again.

• Question 6:
  Will the South African national team deliver an impressive performance in the upcoming World Cup?

Answer:
South Africa boasts a talented generation, and I expect them to perform strongly in future tournaments. Their U-23 team’s recent triumph at the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations in Egypt against Morocco showcased their potential.

• Question 7 (Final):
  What is your assessment of Egypt’s current national team? Can they achieve strong results in upcoming competitions like AFCON and the 2026 World Cup?

• Answer:
  On paper and in qualifiers, Egypt appears solid, but these results aren’t a true measure of their strength given the level of opposition. The upcoming AFCON will be the real test for the team’s caliber, and we hope the trophy will return to Egypt.