Orlando Pirates' invasion of Cairo is a clear statement of intent for their domestic and continental aspirations. The capital city of Cairo has a rich history, known as the gateway to ancient mysteries and modern marvels.
In the football world, Al Ahly has been a marvel in their own right. With a record 12 Champions League titles and 44 Egyptian league titles to their name, it is no surprise they were named the club of the century by CAF.
Goalless in the first leg, the Sea Robbers made the long trip to Cairo having already secured their place in the quarter-finals of the competition that they are attempting to win for the second time following their famous triumph in 1995.
It was in the same city, more than a decade ago, less than five kilometres away at the Osman Ahmed Stadium, where Pirates came within 90 minutes of winning the elusive second Champions League crown during the 2012/13 season.
Goals from Ahmed Abdel Zaher and Mohamed Aboutrika handed the Egyptian giants a 2-0 win on the night and 3-1 on aggregate, dashing the Soweto Giants' hopes in front of a sea of red in the stands.
However, despite facing a Red Devils side missing some of its regulars, the roles were reversed this past weekend. Two goals from the consistent pair of Tshegofatso Mabasa and Relebohile Mofokeng handed Jose Riveiro and his troops a 2-1 win in the final match of the group stages.
Pirates now have an unbeaten run in the competition and ended the group stage on top, emerging as one of the seeded teams for the next round.
As games come thick and fast, much of their success will depend on balancing their chase for their first league title since the 2010/11 season and defending their upcoming Nedbank Cup title.
The Buccaneers have had a fairly decent start to their league campaign and currently trail Mamelodi Sundowns by three points in what is shaping up to be a two-horse race between the two sides after just eleven matches played each.
Pirates and Riveiro will get the luxury of watching on as Mamelodi Sundowns first take on struggling Magesi FC on Wednesday (7.30pm kick-off) at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. Their fixture away against troubled Royal AM at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Thursday will be a must-win encounter, regardless of the outcome of the Sundowns match.
The two giants have been among the best sides in the country for the last two seasons. While Sundowns have enjoyed much success in the league, Pirates have triumphed in domestic trophies, and their defence of the Nedbank Cup will kick off this weekend away at the King Zwelithini Stadium against Richards Bay FC in the round of 32.
Kaizer Chiefs have had to watch on as their neighbours bask in the glory of their recent achievements. Nevertheless, they will get another shot to take a step closer to breaking their trophy drought when they meet ABC Motsepe League Free Agents FC on Sunday.