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Saleh
Selim – the man & the legend:
It's
a very difficult mission to write about Saleh Selim, the Man. We
all know who Saleh is, and know what his value to Egypt, Ahly
and football in general. However, do we really know him as an
individual? In this section, we will just try to express the
influence of Saleh Selim the man on us and on different
generations. Just as an example for what we did find in Saleh;
the idol, the symbol of the ethics we're searching for, and the
pride and dignity we dream of. It is more of a romantic story
that binds the youth with Saleh Selim.
Just seeing Saleh Selim was a dream for
us all.. That was because Saleh was for us some like a living
legend.. Something to read about, to hear his news.. Saleh
Selim's tales were something to enjoy while having an outing, or
sitting & chatting about Ahly club. So having the chance to
write about ‘Saleh Selim the Man and the Legend is a real
honor’, and in the same time a real challenge'. No matter how
much we write about Saleh, we will never give him what he really
deserves. We will examine his interests and hobbies, in an
attempt to get to know the man behind the serious face. The man
whose smile was a rare occurrence, the man who defied an entire
system and led by example to establish the greatest club in
Africa and the Middle East, and a club that is considered by
many experts of true world standards. Under Saleh’s guidance,
Ahly was chosen by World Soccer, the British Magazine, as the 25th
most accomplished club in the world. So let us start our journey
with Saleh:
Music:
Music
was one of Saleh Selim's most favorite hobbies. Saleh always
mentioned that he finds himself when he listens to the music he
loves. He found in music his peace, and spent with it the times
he needed for concentration and thinking. Saleh Selim's favorite
music was Latin Music. He loved Tango, Samba, Rumba, and all
Latin American music styles. The Latin rhythm was his most
favorite, to the extent that almost 80% of Saleh Selim's musical
library is Latin! Um Kolthom, Egypt’s most prominent classical
singer had a special place in Saleh's life. Her classical song
"Ana fy Entezarak" (I am waiting for you) was Saleh's
favorite and he was ready to hear it any time and any place.
Because all legends combine Um Kolthom, was a friend of Saleh
the icon of Egyptian sports in the last half a century, and
whenever she looked for an old record that she couldn't find,
she looked for it at Saleh's! Saleh Selim also loved Mohamed
Abdel-Wahab and Sheikh Zakaria Ahmed old music and songs. His
friendship with Abdel Halim Hafez, Egypt’s most recognized
singer who revolutionized the musical style in 60s and 70s was a
story on its own. Because of Saleh, the patriotic Abdel Halim
Hafez supported Ahly, the club of the struggle against the
colonial rule of the Brits. From the new generation, he liked
the voices of Aly al-Haggar and Medhat Saleh.
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