CAIRO - Under the leadership of famous Portuguese coach Manuel Jose, Egyptian giant Al-Ahly won the Egyptian Premier League title for the seventh time in a row and the 36th time in its history. This year's title is the 109th for the Red Devils in various local, Arab, African and other competitions since it was founded in 1907. The Portuguese coach, who first came to Egypt in the 2001/2002 season, overtook all of his counterparts, including Hedacoty, the legendary Hungarian, when he grabbed the seventh title of the Egyptian Premier League for Al-Ahly. It was the sixth title he won for the club. "The players have made great efforts in all games; they were under great pressure to reduce the difference in points with Zamalek," Jose told an Al-Ahly.com reporter. Jose, born in 1946, added: "When I came to take over the technical team management, the club administration did not ask me to win the league, only to prepare a strong team for the future.” He stressed the importance of the club's great fans who worked magic when supporting the players in all games and at all times; they were the team's main benefactors. Pedro, Jose's assistant, also expressed his happiness. "We must congratulate the club board and fans who supported us to the end," Pedro said at a press conference after the game against Arab Contractors. "I have not seen such faithful fans anywhere else in the world! They support the team in times of stress more than in times of joy.” Pedro continued: "Now it's time to start thinking about the African Champions League; we will be facing the Moroccan champions Wydad of Casablanca (WAC) on July 17." The Red Devils' Egyptian Premier League victory this year motivated the Qatar Foundation to choose Egypt's Al-Ahly and Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal to promote the World Cup hosted by Qatar in 2022. According to media reports, the Qatari Foundation chose the teams for a sponsorship deal worth up to $30 million over three years starting from the next season. Al-Ahly Vice-President Mahmoud el-Khateib praised the high spirit of the players and technical, administrative and medical staff during the whole season and for winning the title for the seventh time in a row. El-Khateib also praised the Red Devils fans for supporting the team so faithfully. "They really deserve our appreciation for their loyalty.” The ex-player didn't forget to praise the players' perseverance and determination during the previous period when they had to face plenty of obstacles. El-Khateib expressed his hope that the team would crown this season in the African Champions League and qualify for the World Club Championship in Japan. Egypt's Ahly have been drawn for the African Champions League quarterfinals in the same group as Tunisia's Esperance and Algeria's Mouloudia. “The competition will be tough; we will meet strong teams, but we have our eye on the title and have to give our best,” Al-Ahly Director Sayyed Abdel-Hafiz said. He pointed out that winning this year's title was difficult, because in the middle of the season the team was seven points behind arch -rivals Zamalek. Club President Hassan Hamdy also congratulated members and fans, asserting that the victory was achieved thanks to the strenuous efforts of the entire technical and administrative staff and the loyal fans' huge support. "We are looking forward to new horizons and hope that everyone will continue to support us in the coming period." Wael Gomaa, the team's international defender, described the league title this season as "the toughest and sweetest one”. The team faced many difficulties, but experience and determination ultimately led to success.
