Al Ahly Football Club continues to make headlines not just for their recent victories but also for their forward-looking plans and coaching insights. After defeating Haras El Hodood with a clean goal scored by Ashraf Ben Cherki on February 25, 2025, head coach Marcel Koller commended the team's performance against what he described as a strong opponent.
"We faced a strong opponent today who was able to deliver impressive results... We had possession of the ball and created more than one opportunity, especially in the first half, and the goal scored by Al Ahly was a reward for us and we achieved our goal with it," Koller stated at the post-match press conference.
While Koller reflects on the club's current form, the club's legacy is also highlighted by its commitment to developing future talent. Former Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane, who recently parted ways with Esteghlal FC, shared his perspective on player development challenges during his appearance on The Dan Corder Show. Mosimane stressed the importance of nurturing not just talent but also the right mentality and lifestyle for players. He pointed out why no South African player is currently playing at top European clubs, largely attributing it to developmental barriers within South African football.
"Aspiring players, Mosimane's insights serve as a guide to understand the mentality and sacrifices required to really excel at higher levels of the sport," he explained.
These insights come at a pivotal time as Al Ahly celebrates its history but also looks forward to its future, marked prominently by the design of its first-ever stadium. Designed by Gensler, this new venue will not only serve as the home of Al Ahly but also aim to become a national landmark. Positioned between Cairo and Alexandria, near Sphinx International Airport, this 42,000-seat stadium is ingeniously planned to navigate specific height restrictions due to its proximity to the airport.
Tayomara Gama, Sports Leader Europe at Gensler, expressed pride in this monumental project, stating, "By overcoming site challenges and integrating sustainable, cutting-edge solutions, our design aims to create a landmark venue..." This innovative design includes unique features such as its partially submerged pitch and dynamic digital façade, which will be visible from both the ground and air. The stadium is also part of the Al-Ahly Club Sports City, which will include various facilities like universities and hospitals, demonstrating Al Ahly's broader vision for growth and community engagement.
With Koller at the helm, Al Ahly is not only focusing on immediate match successes but is also strategically positioning itself for future achievements on and off the field. The combination of Koller’s coaching efforts and Mosimane’s foundational insights on player development, paired with state-of-the-art infrastructure, has placed Al Ahly on an exciting path forward.
The continuous evolution of Al Ahly Football Club reflects both their storied history and their ambitious aspirations as they seek to remain at the pinnacle of Egyptian football and beyond. With new facilities, innovative ideas, and strong leadership, the future looks bright for the club and its dedicated supporters.