Esperance coach believes they can do well in the FIFA Club World Cup

The Romanian coach was speaking to the media as the FIFA Club World Trophy Tour wrapped up the African leg of their visit after a whirlwind stop in three countries – South Africa, Egypt and Tunisia.

The traveling party is heading to Abu Dhabi in the UAE for a historic appearance, and they are expected in the Middle Eastern country on Saturday, 22 February.

Esperance have been drawn in Group D alongside CR Flamengo (Brazil), Chelsea FC (England) and Club León (Mexico).

They face the Brazilians in the opening game.

“Oh, it's not an easy game, it's going to be very difficult. I mean Flamingo is a big team they have an amazing squad, and they will have a lot of supporters too. We're going to have some too because a lot of Tunis people are coming to this competition,” said Reghecampf.

“And in the end, it's happening in the field, then the players are the ones who have to make the difference, the players are the ones who have to fight for this competition. And I think this is our big advantage because we want to do something special, and we have to take this advantage well. We are outsiders if we compare our team with the big names who are going to play in the competition, but I think we're going to have our chances.”

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The African leg of the tour kicked off in South Africa to celebrate with Mamelodi Sundowns, who are in Group F with Ulsan (South Korea), Fluminense (Brazil), and Germany’s Borussia Dortmund.

The next stop was in Egypt at the most successful club on the continent - Al Ahly. Addressing the media in the North African country, Al Ahly head coach Marcel Koller described the FIFA Club World Cup as a very special tournament.

“Obviously, Al Ahly have won a lot in more than 100 years of their history, lots of (CAF) Champions Leagues in Africa, and a lot in Egypt too of course. This (FIFA) Club World Cup is obviously very special and it is a great motivation for everyone: for the players, the fans and us as staff. Playing against the best, having exchanges with them, gathering experience and trying to do our best, trying to win against top teams and trying to get as far as possible motivates us a lot,” Koller told FIFA TV.

The next stop was neighbouring Tunisia at the home of Esperance Sportive de Tunis before heading out to Abu Dhabi.

Only Morocco was missing from the route, but the trophy is expected make a return to the African continent when they visit Rhulani Mokoena’s Wydad Athletic Club in Casablanca for the final lap before the start of the tournament.

Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Ahly, Esperance des Tunis and Wydad will all be representing the continent at the prestigious 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, the biggest global club competition.

The tournament will run from 14 June to 13 July in the USA.