In the beginning, introduce yourself?
I’m Mickey Jr,” an African football journalist and media director for Legion Cities FC, which plays in the Ghanaian Premier League, and I’m also a media officer for the Confederation of African Football.
Do you know Al-Ahly Club and its popularity in Africa and the Arab world?
Al-Ahly is the greatest club, and I know that it is characterized by success and is always eager for more championships. It works on good principles and values. Al-Ahly has many millions of followers in Africa and abroad.
Do you watch Al-Ahly Egypt club matches?
Yes, I watch all Al-Ahly matches locally and continually, as it is a big team and has strong players.
What do you think about the African final match between Moroccan Wydad and Al-Ahly of Egypt, which ended with the Egyptian team winning the eleventh title of the African Champions League?
The players showed courage and perseverance. They were determined and hungry. Koller and his staff prepared the team psychologically. This type of match especially against a North African team does not just play on the pitch, some other factors are also included. Al-Ahly managed to pass through this well. I liked their spirit.
Tell me about the atmosphere in Ghana during the final game?
Very tense, as there was anxiety and nervousness on everyone. The Wydad team missed a goal, so things were close, and everyone was wondering what would happen.
Are there fans from Al Ahly and Wydad in Ghana?
Yes some are actually Ghanaians and some are people from Egypt who work here like Moroccans.
How do you see the performance of Al-Ahly club with coach Marcel Kohler during the last period?
He was great, the beginning was difficult for him, but he managed to find it right and make some players play the way he wanted. He is a good and experienced coach who reads the game well. I am proud of what he has done so far and the titles he has won.
Did you know that Al-Ahly is close to winning the Egyptian Premier League title after it topped the league table and has postponed matches for the rest of the league teams?
Yes, I know that Al-Ahly club needs only four or five wins to be champions of the Egyptian Premier League.
What do you think about the upcoming confrontation between Al-Ahly and the Algerian Union of the Capital in the African Super Cup scheduled for next August?
It will be a very difficult match in the African Super Cup, but Al-Ahly have all the experience to be champions again, they have played in this competition many times and they know what it takes.
How do you see the Egyptian national team in the current period, especially since the Egyptian national team has new players from the above?
Egypt is still on the rise, they are doing their best since the old generation faded away.
The new players along with some experienced players like Salah and El Shenawy will just need time to shine and I think they will be fine for some years to come.
What do you see Ghana national team in the current period, especially after the retirement of His Asmouah Gyan and Andrea Ayew?
Ghana have a new coach now and he is trying to blend experienced players with the new generations.
Let’s give him time and see how far they will go. The Ghanaians want the Africa Cup of Nations more than a decade ago they last won it. They are more hungry for more success.
Can the Black Stars win the next African Cup of Nations?
I can’t say anything about that but I hope I know it’s going to be more difficult because of the strong presence of Senegal, Morocco, Mali, Nigeria, Egypt and the like who all come with very good players, so time will tell.
Finally, I thank you for allowing us for this special interview, and we wish you success in your working life and success for the Ghana national team in the next stage.
Thank you very much, I appreciate your time, I wish you all the best.
Translated by: Akram El-Sheikh
