TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup: “Our Ambition Knows No Limits” - Ali Gabr

Pyramids FC captain Ali Gabr has set his sights on lifting the TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup trophy when his side faces Morocco’s RS Berkane on Saturday, 18 October, in the Egyptian capital, Cairo.

The experienced defender emphasized that the entire squad is fully focused on the upcoming continental showdown, as the team looks to complete a remarkable double after clinching the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League title earlier this year.

In an exclusive interview with CAFOnline.com, the 36-year-old leader discussed Pyramids’ preparations, their mindset ahead of the final, and what it will take to overcome a formidable opponent like RS Berkane.

CAFOnline.com: Ali, how are your preparations going for Saturday’s big encounter?
Our head coach, Krunoslav Jurčić, has been preparing the team meticulously for this game. 

The players are in excellent condition and completely focused, despite the timing of the match coinciding with the international break. We have more than 14 international players, so once the full squad returns to training, all attention will shift to this crucial encounter.

We know RS Berkane are one of Africa’s top clubs — experienced, organized, and always competitive. It will be a tough match, but our aim is clear: to win and secure our second continental title.

CAFOnline.com: You will be playing the final in Cairo. Does that give Pyramids an advantage?

Playing at home is always special, but I believe both teams have equal chances. RS Berkane are used to playing under pressure and have shown great composure away from home. They were outstanding in last season’s CAF Confederation Cup, which they won, and they have many quality players.

That said, our focus is on ourselves — Pyramids FC are determined to win the title, regardless of the opponent or venue.

CAFOnline.com: Winning the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League for the first time was historic. Does that success fuel your motivation to win another continental title?

Absolutely. Winning the biggest club competition in Africa was an incredible achievement, especially considering the level of competition and the historic clubs we faced along the way.

That victory gave everyone at Pyramids — players, staff, management, and fans — immense confidence and belief. This club was built to compete for every trophy, and our ambition is to keep winning. The CAF Super Cup is our next target, and we are ready to fight for it.

CAFOnline.com: How do you assess your chances against RS Berkane, a team with vast continental experience?

It will be a balanced contest. RS Berkane are strong — they are champions of Morocco and of the CAF Confederation Cup — and they have a talented, experienced group of players.

But we are the African champions, and our ambition knows no limits. Our goal is to celebrate the Super Cup in Cairo.

CAFOnline.com: As team captain, what do you see as the key factors to winning this match?

Finals are decided by the smallest details. Every player must give more than 100 percent — they must give 200 percent. You have to fight for every ball and stay focused for the full 90 minutes.

Avoiding mistakes is crucial in matches like this. You might score at any moment, but what’s even more important is not conceding. Often, these little details make all the difference in deciding who lifts the trophy.

CAFOnline.com: Finally, as captain, how do you inspire your teammates ahead of such a big occasion?

This group doesn’t need extra motivation — we are African champions, and our hunger for success never fades. After winning the CAF TotalEnergies Champions League and the Intercontinental Cup, our ambition has only grown.

We are a united family, and from day one we promised each other that we would fight for every trophy. Our dream is to add another title to Pyramids’ history — and, God willing, we’ll celebrate the Super Cup together on October 18 at our home in Cairo.