The great pyramids of Giza have inspired many a legendary tale. From blockbuster movies to fascinating novels.
With the stupendous mythical Sphinx statue – half human, half lion – casting its eye over it all, it has been the birthplace of fantasy.
Stellenbosch FC’s players will be hoping to take some of this magic that is settled in the desert sand they purveyed on Monday, whilst riding on camelback, with them to the Cairo Stadium on Wednesday where they will face Egyptian giants Zamalek in their second leg CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final (kick-off 6pm).
Taking in the scenery 🐫 pic.twitter.com/HnjnwVNXGc
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) April 8, 2025
With the tie deadlocked after the goalless draw at DHL Stadium in Cape Town last week, Steve Barker’s team are looking to make history by extending their maiden continental adventure.
The magnitude of Stellies’ ambition is almost as large as the size of the Great Pyramid, with the length of each side at the base averaging 230m and its original height being 147m, which was once the tallest structure on earth.
Zamalek are the pride of not only Egypt, but also Africa, having won the CAF Champions League title five times, and are the current CAF Confederation Cup defending champions.
They are a team that is supported fanatically with the El Fares El Abyed (The White Knights), expected to transform the Cairo International Stadium into a cauldron of fire that none of the Stellenbosch players would have experienced before.
A violent altercation erupted among Zamalek supporters and what appeared to be fellow Arab spectators in the stands at Cape Town Stadium during Stellenbosch FC’s clash with the Egyptian side. @GOALcomSA | #CAFCC pic.twitter.com/ehlijQSesb
— Sandile Ndumo® (@sandilendumo1) April 2, 2025
Barker acknowledged that the challenge facing up to the supporters is almost equally as mighty as what they can expect from the Zamalek players on the pitch.
“We are all excited and looking forward to the game. As you are all well aware it is our first campaign on the continent. To be playing a team of the calibre of Zamalek in Egypt is an honour and privilege for us,” Barker said pre-match on Tuesday, after his team utilised rival Egyptian club Pyramids' facilities for training purposes.
“I must say that I've always had a great admiration for the passion that is shown by the fans and the passion for football in your country. Personally, I'm really excited to be able to be playing at this iconic stadium.”
Barker, however, believes that Betway Premiership clashes against the likes of Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, whose fans often overwhelm the opposition, have prepared his team for this almighty clash.
“We want to be playing in front of big crowds. Back home, we are used to playing against teams like the Chiefs and the Pirates, who have a big crowd,” he said.
“We use the crowd to trigger us and spur us on. We're excited to be playing in front of the crowd and to showcase who we are. Our players can showcase their individual qualities.”
CAF sent a letter to Zamalek SC to clarify exactly what happened in the stands during their game v Stellenbosch in Cape Town. 🚨🇪🇬
— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) April 7, 2025
Also; they must explain what their fans were doing with the flares a day before the game when the team was training.
They have till the end of the… pic.twitter.com/s4KPnRCWzO
Stellies showed in the first leg that they would be no pushovers, as they dominated both possession and territory, especially in the first half.
However, Zamalek showed during the latter stages of the second half the talent they do possess and created the best chance of the game, which fortunately for Stellies was brilliantly kept out by their captain and goalkeeper Sage Stephens.
Barker is acutely aware of the individual talent his counterpart Jose Peseiro has at his disposal.
“Obviously, we played a week back. It was a difficult game for most teams,” he said.
“Our objective was to come here with something to play for. We prepared for all scenarios. We had the opportunity to play and do our analysis," he said.
“There's not only one outstanding player in the Zamalek team. There's a lot of match winners within the team. We have to be aware.
“There are definitely key players within the team that we have to be aware of. I think we even saw in the last 10 minutes of our game what happened when we gave them too much time and space in key areas,” he concluded.