Al Ahly Football Club, one of Africa's most celebrated football teams, is on the verge of making history with the design of its first dedicated stadium, set to be located between Cairo and Alexandria, near Sphinx International Airport. This monumental project is being carried out by leading architectural firm Gensler, along with partners El Qalaa El Hamraa and Buro Happold. Positioned to seat 42,000 spectators, the stadium aims to become not just a sports venue but a national landmark, embodying the rich heritage and aspirations of Egyptian football.
The standout feature of this stadium, which was recently unveiled, is its partially submerged pitch. This innovative design strategy was necessitated by height restrictions imposed due to its proximity to the international airport. By lowering the pitch below ground level, the architects have not only complied with aviation regulations but also leveraged cooler earth temperatures to create a more comfortable environment for both players and spectators.
Another remarkable aspect of the design is the stadium's asymmetric cable net roof, which rests upon a structural arch—a first for stadium architecture. The seating arrangement is carefully crafted with double-tiered stands on the west, north, and south sides, ensuring fans are brought closer to the action on the field. At night, the stadium will come alive with its illuminated digital façade, offering dynamic displays visible to both ground and air traffic, thereby enhancing the experience for all who approach.
Beyond the magnificent facility itself, the project encompasses the larger Al-Ahly Club Sports City, which will include multiple facilities such as universities, hospitals, and mosques. This integration of different amenities reflects the club's commitment to fostering community development and cultural enrichment. Tayomara Gama, Sports Leader Europe at Gensler, spoke passionately about the project, stating, “We are proud to partner with El Qalaa El Hamraa and Buro Happold on this monumental project, which will serve as the new home for Al-Ahly Football Club. By overcoming site challenges and integrating sustainable, cutting-edge solutions, our design aims to create a landmark venue...”
While Al Ahly Football Club is making strides on the field with its new home, challenges persist off the field, particularly within South African football. Recently, Pitso Mosimane, the former head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly, gave insights about the barriers facing South African players trying to make it onto the global stage during his appearance on The Dan Corder Show. Despite the abundance of talent within the nation, Mosimane pointed out significant issues preventing local players from reaching top European clubs.
He highlighted qualities such as mentality, perseverance, and the complete ‘package’ required for players to be successful athletes. “A footballer should truly be a package,” said Mosimane, appealing to aspiring players to understand the comprehensive skill set and the sacrifices necessary for success. His words resonate with those involved in player development, particularly at his Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools, which aim to nurture the next generation of football stars.
These two narratives—the groundbreaking stadium design for Al Ahly and Mosimane's fervent advocacy for player development—illustrate the dual pillars of growth within Egyptian football. The stadium is set to provide not only a state-of-the-art facility for future matches but also serve as the heart of the community, promoting health, education, and cultural events.
With the new stadium on the horizon, expectations are high among fans and stakeholders alike. Al Ahly Football Club is poised to redefine what it means to be at the center of football culture, setting the stage for both triumphs on the field and development off of it. The commitment to innovation, community integration, and player development signifies the club's ambition and foresight as it strides boldly toward the future.
Indeed, as both the club and the players strive for excellence, one cannot help but feel excited for what lies ahead for Al Ahly Football Club and Egyptian football as a whole.