A natural leader: Which approach should be taken to discuss the leadership of Saleh Selim, Leadership Characteristics in Saleh Selim? Or is it better to Define Leadership by saying, “Leadership is Saleh Selim”. Probably the second approach is more appropriate. Since his early days Saleh Selim was clearly viewed as a leader. Whether a child, a player, a father, a manager, a board member or a club president he was always a sound and successful leader. He had this magic in his personality that made every one put all his confidence in him. As a player he was always a real captain to the team. He always provided the required leadership quality on the pitch and facilitated the job of the coach in transmitting instructions to the players.

The start of the legend: Just after retirement he was appointed as a team manager in a decision reflecting the immediate confidence in his leadership capabilities. He was the administrative manager alongside the famous coach Nindor Hidegkuti to build the strongest team in Ahly’s history and managed to make the 1970s generation as one of Ahly’s greatest. The next step was being a board member which can be considered a transitional period for the Maestro in which he managed to prepare himself for becoming Ahly’s youngest president.

After failing in the 1976 elections, in 1980 at the age of 46 Saleh Selim started his quest to achieve his Famous dream” Ahly Above All” , Without any financial investments, backed by love and support of Ahly members , Saleh went through it all and managed to monopolize the ballot . With 1988 votes compared to a 575 votes to Kamel Mortagi an Ahly president himself (1965-1967 and then 1973 – 1980) in a surprise to all those who didn’t know the Maestro. His first decision after this Win was a thank you party to honor the ex board in a gesture portraying gratitude to the former work done by others. Ahly indeed is different than any other club in Egypt.

In 1984 and after 4 years of success in which Ahly took the road to success at the continental level leading later on to the prestigious title of Africa’s club of the century Captain Saleh whether he wanted or not he had to go through elections again to continue the reform projects he already started in 1980. This time he finished with 2453 votes compared to 1162 to his competitor A. Mohsen Kamel Mortagi. In 1988 and after 8 years of unbelievable success witnessing 5 African cups and one Afro Asian trophy, in football only in addition to countless local titles (please refer to later pages to view a list of titles achieved during his presidency), Saleh Selim stepped down in order to give room for others to take the flag. He decided not to run for the 1988 elections that ended with Abdo Saleh el Wahsh as a president.

However and due to unprecedented deterioration in the Football team result, a General Assembly held elections and elected Saleh Selim or the Maestro back in charge were he remained till his death in 2002. In the 1992 elections Saleh presented his candidature for presidency as usual without any financial support and capitalizing mainly on his achievements and his charismatic character that managed to convince all Ahlaweya (this is the name given to the supporters of the club) that he is the right answer. This time Saleh got 55% of the votes while his other 3 competitors (Hassan Mostafa the current president of the International Handball Federation, Ahmed Farag and Thabet Fadlallah) shared the remaining 45%, numbers that reflect the status of Saleh Selim in the hearts and minds of all Ahly fans. 

4 years later Saleh went through another election campaign which was as usual very quiet and mainly focusing on his eternal aim ‘Ahly above all” and as usual it ended up in his favor with 4000 votes. Ironically enough the year 2000 which witnessed the Maestro’s last election also witnessed the final lesson he gave to his competitors. Saleh who as usual didn’t pay a penny or a dime to win the elections had to compete this time with a new kind of competition, a competition that showed every body the value of the Maestro in our Hearts. His competitor this time was a famous businessman loaded with money and thought at the time he can buy his way to Ahly’s prestigious presidential position. Yet integrity once again prevailed, and Saleh remained president until the end of his life. He fulfilled his dream of devoting his life to Ahly, and he was granted his final wish, when the memorial service of his funeral was held at the club premises as per his request.

NEXT>>