While reports suggested a resolution to Fiston Mayele’s visa issues before Pyramids FC’s crucial CAF Champions League clash against Orlando Pirates, coach Krunoslav Jurčić sidestepped direct inquiries about the player’s situation.
Pyramids FC touched down in South Africa on Thursday and wasted no time, holding a training session with Mayele among the players present.
The Egyptian Premier League leaders are gearing up to face Pirates in the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final clash on Saturday evening at FNB Stadium in Soweto [18:00].
On Monday, reports emerged indicating that Pyramids FC had resolved travel arrangements for their foreign contingent, including DR Congo star Mayele, for the Pirates tie in SA.
The resolution comes after Mayele encountered visa complications in December 2023, preventing him from joining his Pyramids teammates for their match against Mamelodi Sundowns in Pretoria.
Mayele stands out as a key player for Pyramids, who are making their debut appearance in the Champions League semi-finals. The prolific 30-year-old striker has been instrumental in their journey with six goals in nine appearances in the continental competition so far.
PYRAMIDS COACH REACTS TO MAYELE VISA CLEARANCE BEFORE PIRATES
Pyramids FC coach Jurčić offered a veiled response when questioned about his feelings regarding the resolution of Mayele’s travel issues ahead of the match against Pirates.
Jurčić stated his focus remained solely on football matters and his positive experience in SA. He explicitly claimed ignorance regarding Mayele’s visa situation, suggesting club officials were better positioned to address non-football-related questions.
“I don’t want to talk about things that are outside football, but I’m enjoying my time in South Africa, I’m very good,” said Jurčić prior to Pyramids’ training session at FNB Stadium on Friday. “I don’t know anything about Mayele’s visa, I don’t know anything,
“I’m focused on my job, football, which is important. Sorry, the question is out of football. Maybe other people from the club can speak about it, but I don’t know anything.”
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