In the world of football, some coaches leave their mark, and then there’s Krunoslav Jurcic, the Croatian tactician who has etched his name in history by leading Pyramids to their maiden CAF Champions League title.

The 55-year-old mentor’s appointment in February 2024 seemed like a gamble, but he has proven his doubters wrong, guiding the Egyptian giants to a 3-2 aggregate win over Mamelodi Sundowns in the final of the CAF Champions League on Sunday.

Jurcic’s journey to the top of African football is a testament to his dedication and expertise. With a managerial career spanning over two decades, he has accumulated a wealth of experience, guiding clubs like Dinamo Zagreb, Al Nassr, and Al-Nasr to numerous titles.

His trophy cabinet boasts an impressive array of honors, including three Croatian league titles, the Croatian Cup, Croatian Supercup, and the Emirati League Cup.

At Pyramids, Jurcic has been nothing short of phenomenal. In just 15 months, he has transformed the team into a formidable force, leading them to their first-ever CAF Champions League title, as well as their first-ever Egypt Cup last season.

The Croatian coach’s tactics and player management skills have been instrumental in the team’s success, as evident from their impressive run in the group stages and knockout phase in the Champions League this season.

Under Jurcic’s guidance, Pyramids have become a force to be reckoned with, scoring 14 goals in the group stage, tied with Al Ahly.

In the knockout stage, they topped the scoring charts with 11 goals, beating two South African teams, Orlando Pirates and Sundowns, en route to the title. His ability to get the best out of his players and make tactical adjustments has been crucial in their success.

Jurcic’s appointment was a masterstroke by Pyramids, especially after the departure of Jaime Pacheco. The Portuguese coach, Pacheco, had high expectations, but the team’s performance fell short.

Jurcic, on the other hand, has exceeded expectations, leading Pyramids to a historic title and cementing his reputation as a top-tier coach.

The CAF Champions League title and Egypt Cup are just the beginning for Jurcic and Pyramids.

With the Egyptian Super Cup final against Zamalek looming on 5 June, the Croatian coach will be looking to add another trophy to his collection. In the Egyptian League, Pyramids finished second behind Al Ahly, but with Jurcic at the helm, they will be gunning for the title in the future. 

Pyramids, fresh from their Champions League triumph, will take on Moroccan giants RS Berkane in the CAF Super Cup.

Berkane secured their spot by beating Tanzanian side Simba in the CAF Confederation Cup final. With the CAF yet to announce the date, this eagerly anticipated match promises to be a thrilling encounter, and Jurcic is aiming to add another title to his collection.

Jurcic’s achievement is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and tactical acumen. As the fourth Egyptian club to win the CAF Champions League after Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Ismaily, Pyramids have made their mark on the continent.

With Jurcic at the helm, the future looks bright for this Egyptian giant, and fans can expect more success stories in the years to come.

In conclusion, Krunoslav Jurcic’s triumph with Pyramids is a remarkable achievement that showcases his coaching prowess. His ability to adapt, motivate, and lead his team to success is a quality that sets him apart from other coaches. 

As he looks to add more titles to his collection, Jurcic’s legacy in Egyptian football is already cemented, and he will be remembered as one of the greatest coaches in the country’s history.