On October 13, 2025, two stories unfolded in Cairo that, on the surface, might seem only loosely connected but, together, paint a vivid picture of the evolving relationship between Egyptian football, corporate social responsibility, and the broader community. At the heart of both tales sits Al Ahly Football Club, a perennial powerhouse in African football and a beacon for millions of fans. But on this particular day, the club’s influence stretched far beyond the pitch.
Early that morning, the halls of Al Nas Hospital, Africa and the Middle East’s largest medical center, buzzed with unusual excitement. The hospital, which provides free treatment for cardiovascular and digestive diseases, diabetes, and burn injuries—and is preparing to launch the region’s largest liver transplant unit—welcomed a special delegation. According to Flair Magazine, the initiative was spearheaded by LIPTON Tea & Infusions – Egypt, in partnership with Al Ahly Football Company. The goal? To uplift young patients and demonstrate the power of simple gestures in making a lasting difference.
The visit brought together members of the LIPTON Tea & Infusions – Egypt team and a star-studded lineup from Al Ahly: coaching staff Walid Salah El-Din and Emad El-Nahhas, alongside players Hussein El Shahat, Omar Kamal, Ahmed Abdel Kader, and Taher Mohamed Taher. Also present were Nayera Ali, CEO of Al Ahly Football Company, and Ahmed Yakout, Senior Marketing and CRM Specialist. As they toured the wards, the group distributed gifts to children, sharing smiles, encouragement, and moments of genuine connection. For the young patients—many facing daunting health challenges—the presence of their football heroes was a bright spot, a reminder that they are not alone in their battles.
Mennat-Allah Sharkas, General Manager at LIPTON Teas and Infusions in Egypt, emphasized the deeper significance of the day. “Our goal is to be a brand that gives back and stays close to the community,” Sharkas stated, as reported by Flair Magazine. “We’re proud of our partnership with Al Ahly FC in initiatives that touch people’s lives, strengthen real human connections, and contribute to social development in Egypt.” The visit was not a one-off gesture: Lipton Teas and Infusions Egypt also made donations to Al Nas Hospital, reinforcing their broader commitment to community development and social responsibility. Sharkas added that the company’s vision is to be an active partner in community development and to create a lasting positive impact—sentiments echoed throughout the day’s activities.
For Al Ahly, the event dovetailed perfectly with its own mission. The club, through its Foundation for Community Development, has long championed volunteerism and meaningful engagement across Egypt. The collaboration with Lipton Tea & Infusions – Egypt is just the latest in a series of efforts to promote sustainability and social well-being. As Sharkas put it, “We’re proud of our partnership with Al Ahly FC in initiatives that touch people’s lives.” The intention is clear: to build not only a successful football team but also a legacy of positive change that resonates far beyond the stadium gates.
Yet, as the club’s stars were bringing joy to hospital wards, another chapter was unfolding behind the scenes—one that spoke to the club’s ambitions on the pitch and the high expectations of its supporters. In recent months, Al Ahly had been navigating a period of managerial uncertainty. After the dismissal of Jose Riveiro, who lasted just four months at the helm, speculation swirled about who would take over as head coach. Names like Pitso Mosimane and Marcel Koller—both with impressive resumes and previous ties to the club—dominated sports headlines. But, as reported by TahiaMasr, Al Ahly Director of Football Walid Salah Eldin offered a decisive clarification.
“When we started negotiating with Jess Thorup, we didn’t find any fault with him; he answered all our questions during the Zoom meeting with confidence and professionalism,” Salah Eldin told TahiaMasr. He went on to explain that the club did its due diligence, consulting critics and fans, and found widespread approval for Thorup. “Thorup has a strong personality and deals tactfully with fans and the media. He only gives opportunities to deserving players, and he is firm and disciplined in his decisions.”
Importantly, Salah Eldin addressed the swirling rumors about a possible return for Mosimane, who had previously led Al Ahly to two CAF Champions League titles and several domestic trophies. “We did not discuss the return of Rene Weiler, Marcel Koller or Pitso Mosimane, while we proposed names such as Rui Vitoria and Carlos Queiroz due to their experience in Egyptian football.” This statement put to rest weeks of speculation and underscored the club’s commitment to a fresh direction under Thorup.
So who is Jess Thorup, and why did Al Ahly place its faith in him? Salah Eldin offered a detailed rationale: “The coach has tactical flexibility. He has won championships and progressed with small teams in Germany until he reached a distinguished position. He is also good at developing young players, which is in line with Al Ahly’s future vision.” In other words, Thorup’s track record of discipline, adaptability, and youth development made him the ideal fit for a club aiming to balance immediate success with long-term sustainability.
This dual narrative—of community outreach at Al Nas Hospital and strategic decision-making in the club’s back offices—captures the unique role that Al Ahly plays in Egyptian society. It’s not just a football club; it’s a symbol of aspiration, unity, and social responsibility. The partnership with Lipton Tea & Infusions – Egypt, especially in such a meaningful context, highlights how sports organizations can leverage their influence to drive positive change. Whether by cheering up children in a hospital ward or charting a new course for the team’s future, Al Ahly’s actions speak to a broader commitment: to be a force for good, both on and off the field.
Meanwhile, for the young patients at Al Nas Hospital, the day will likely be remembered not only for the gifts and celebrity visits but also for the sense of hope and solidarity it inspired. For Al Ahly fans, the appointment of Jess Thorup marks the beginning of a new chapter—one shaped by high expectations, strategic vision, and, if the club’s leadership is right, plenty of success to come. As Egypt’s most storied football institution continues to weave itself into the fabric of national life, its dual focus on community and competition offers a model worth watching—and, perhaps, emulating.