Ahli's promising striker Dominique Da Silva described his teammates and manager Manuel Jose as his new family, saying they greatly helped him settle down at the Cairo side. The 21-year-old, who has a Mauritanian-Senegalese dual nationality, joined Ahli from Sfaxien in the winter and soon came across as a talented hitman who has a lot of potential. He raised some eyebrows in several friendlies during the current Egyptian Premier League stoppage, before scoring on his competitive debut for the Red Devils against Supersport United. Dominique assured he adapted well to the new environment and got accustomed to Egyptian football within few weeks because of the support he got from his 'family' and fans as well. "On my first day at Ahli Manuel Jose told me that this is my family, and indeed I felt this way when everyone treated me with love," he told the club's official site. "The fans have boosted my confidence since my first game and the players are treating me as though I have been their friend for years. All this made me fit in. "Having the likes of Mohamed Abou-Treika, Wael Gomaa and Ahmed Hassan on the team always cheers me up. "I used to watch them playing in African competitions and now they are my teammates who back me up."
Jose Best Father Dominique spurned a number of scoring chances in the first half of Ahli's 2-0 victory over Supersport in the CAF Champions League round of 32. But in the break Jose gave him a little pep talk that helped him atone for the squandered opportunities by netting his maiden competitive goal. "I was a bit nervous in my first competitive match and that's why I wasted many chances, but I'm satisfied with my goal that may help Ahli reach the next round," Dominique said. "During the interval, Jose encouraged me. He said 'I won't get you out of the pitch because you will score a goal today'. His words gave me more confidence. "He's not just an outstanding tactician, he's also a great man. The way he's treating players is extraordinary. "Jose helps his men on and off the pitch; He check on them and resolve their problems. He's the best father for the family."
