Esperance de Tunis head coach Maher Kanzari has made a bold statement about his team and other African clubs preparing to compete in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Esperance, home to Bafana Bafana star Elias Mokwana, has been drawn into Group D alongside English giants Chelsea, Brazilian powerhouse Flamengo, and Mexico's Club Leon.
The Tunisian side will represent the African continent alongside South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, Egypt’s 12-time CAF Champions League winners Al Ahly, and Morocco’s Wydad Athletic Club.
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These African clubs will go head-to-head with some of the world’s top teams, including Manchester City, Juventus, and Borussia Dortmund.
With Esperance set to take on Premier League heavyweights Chelsea, Kanzari remains confident, emphasizing that football is played on the pitch.
"As I’ve said, there’s no fear here. These are football matches at the highest level, every player is hungry to play in a tournament like the Club World Cup," Kanzari told the FIFA official website.
"That’s why we’re not afraid of anything. We’re a big team, and they’re big teams too. True, they may look better on paper, but this is football – anything can happen. Espérance don’t cower before anyone.
"We bring our full might into every match. We’re determined to deliver a great performance that is worthy of our reputation, just like always.
When asked whether he believes an African team could progress to the latter stages or even win the tournament, Kanzari responded: "Why not"?
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"This is football, and the landscape is constantly shifting. We saw plenty of surprises even at the last World Cup, like Morocco’s deep run.
"And we’ve seen teams like Mazembe and Raja reach the final of [FIFA tournaments]. That’s the nature of football: Every team has a chance to advance, succeed, win and achieve its dreams. The pitch is open to everyone."
Photo Cred: Esperance
