Pyramids coach Alberto Valentim heaped praise on his players after they secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Enppi in the Egyptian league on Friday. Rejoicing in Pyramids' maiden league win, the Brazilian manager stresses his side's "big ambitions" this season. Playmaker Mohamed "Afcha" Magdi gave Valentim a winning debut with the newly franchised football team, formerly known as Assiouty Sports, upon converting a free kick. "I am happy with the winning start against Enppi. The league race is still long, but we have a dream that we want to achieve this season," Valentim said in the press conference after the match. "We started our attacks slowly. We had to be faster. "Our opponents cleverly kept a tight defence but we fought until the end. We are still at the beginning and we will continue our work to develop," the 43-year-old coach added. Pyramids, owned by Saudi Minister of Sports Turki Al-Sheikh, undertook a recruitment drive through the summer transfer window to strengthen their ranks ahead of the new season. They have already signed many key stars from the Egyptian top flight as well as a host of foreigners. "Our Brazilian players couldn't deliver their best due to the small pitch (Petro Sport Stadium)," Valentim commented. "I don't think the pitch's dimensions are matching the standards of FIFA." "It isn't an excuse for them. We will train more to improve their fitness. "We have big ambitions to achieve this season, but my main concern now is the coming match." Pyramids will be facing El-Entag El-Harby on Wednesday in their second league match. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
