It always starts in school: It all started in fourth grade of the primary Orman School when the student Saleh saw an announcement indicating that students wanting to play football ought to report to the supervisor of the school, Sayed Efendi. At the outset, Saleh hesitated because this supervisor punished him for playing too much football, dirtying his uniform and nails, all against the discipline of the school code. Yet Saleh was selected to play for his school team and his first footsteps in the gigantic official football pitch of the school sent a rush up his spine. His first thought was that the big soccer ball size is harder to control than the small rubber bouncy one he uses at home. His frustration was compounded when he lost his breath in the enormous official football field at Okasha Street. When his supervisor mocked him “are you only good at trouble and now when it is serious play you got tired. I guess you do not know how to play real football”, young Saleh’s pride was hurt. How could he tell him that! Doesn’t he know that he plays alone against five other neighboring kids in a show of his supreme skill! Doesn’t the supervisor know that he beat his younger brother Abdel Wahab 26 – 0 only a few days ago! Saleh whose determination was never deterred did not care much about this mockery and decided to pursue his hobby to excellence. The big day came, when Orman School played the team of the Islamic Charity School led by the famous Adel-Aziz Tohami. Unfortunately Orman lost and Saleh broke his arm, an injury that was a source of pride to the young promise. His attitude caught the attention of Mr. Hussein Kamel who asked him if he wanted to join Ahly’s youth ranks. Saleh’s father agreed. His son joined the club to play with the Ahly team on Fridays only. Saleh did not bother much about the one day club activity, because he played football throughout the week with the second team of his school at Okasha street which saw great matches between rival schools and a packed atmosphere filled with drums and music from the crowds. It was almost like the real stuff! 

Stardum at School level: When Guindi and Hanafi and other elder students left the school and the team, Saleh became the hereditary of a vast collection of trophies and medals. It was his primary focus to win more silver wear for his school. Saleh’s ambition at club level was limited. The school team became his hub towards fame now that all its stars have graduated. He held a feeling that wearing Ahly’s jersey is a far fetched dream.  He was only a young player trying to impress at the level of youth teams. He is not the star of the team, and was only a determined player trying to get an equal chance in the attacking line-up of Ahly along with other promising players such as the skilled Fathi Khatab – Moheb Youssef – Mohamed Afifi. His constrained ambition allowed him to mature and to learn that his day of glory will come. Meanwhile he is to be proud with whatever trophies and victories of the youth Ahly teams.  When Saleh moved to the legendary school of Saiedeyah to earn his high-school diploma, he was received with respect and love from all. The supervisor of the football team Mr. Ahmed Mostafa predicted a brilliant future for the youngster, and extended vast support to his promising talent. Saiedeyah was triumphant and Saleh shined in his position as a right midfielder or center forward. 

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