Ahli and Zamalek welcomed a huge number of foreigners throughout the past few decades, but how many have managed to leave an impact? This season saw the likes of Eric Bekoe, Ernest Papa Arko and Minusu Buba excel with Petrojet, Gaish and Police Union, but what about Egypt's top duo? Now that the season is almost over, it can be said that the Cairo giants have once again both failed to fill in their six slots for foreign players effectively. Most Arab clubs sign players from abroad so that the new recruit would automatically be considered a key player for the team…but not in Egypt. There is a false consensus that 'a foreigner needs time to adapt' to his new club, and the latest African star to dazzle in Egypt, Flavio, is usually mentioned as an example. The Angolan striker spent two glorious campaigns with Ahli before leaving to Saudi Arabia last summer, but a horrible one-goal season had to precede his delayed success, so that's a cost that should be considered.
The scouting department has no place within the management staff of any Egyptian club, but there is room for a 'team coordinator'!! In addition to the time factor, the perennial failure of Ahli and Zamalek to scout in the Dark Continent is simply demonstrated by numbers. The number of all-time successful foreigners can be count on the fingers of one hand, whereas the list of flops is never-ending. History tells that the likes of Felix Aboagye, Flavio and the still-playing Gilberto made their mark with Ahli, while Zamalek were previously inspired by Emanuel Kwarshi, Somalia Coulibaly and Emmanuel Amunike….and that's it. Ismaili are another top club that have their fair share of poor signings against the exceptional success of Nigeria's John Utaka and Mali's Dramane Traore. Egypt's continental domination since 2006 should make it easier for clubs to lure competent foreigners. However, decent scouting is also needed. As usual, the scouting department has no place within the management staff of any Egyptian club, but there is room for a 'team coordinator'!!
