Walid Soliman: Ahly treble was historic

Walid Soliman

Thursday Dec 10, 2020. 16:00

Al Ahly winger Walid Soliman has described his team’s treble triumph as “historic” and says this success will lay the foundation for more trophies in years to come.

The Red Devils, under the guidance of Rene Weiler and then Pitso Mosimane, secured a record-extending 42nd Egyptian Premier League title, a record-extending ninth CAF Champions League title and a record-extending 37th Egyptian Cup in the 2019-20 season.

The Champions League and Egyptian Cup triumphs were secured over the past two weekends with victories over arch rivals Zamalek and Tala’ea El Gaish respectively.

Soliman sadly missed both matches due to a positive Covid-19 test, but was nonetheless delighted to have played a key role in a third treble season for Ahly – adding to the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons when they also claimed all three major trophies.

“It was so difficult for me to miss the two finals,” Soliman told an Egyptian Radio station, as quoted by Ahram Online.

“The Champions League title is very precious for the team especially that we haven’t won it since 2013. The Egypt Cup is also an important title. Our [next] target is to win the African Super Cup and the Egyptian Super Cup.

“This generation realised a historic achievement and they gained a great dose of confidence that would help them during the coming 10 years.”

The 36-year-old added that he expects Ahly to face a tougher season in 2020-21, but is adamant that a repeat of their success is possible.

“The competition in the domestic league will be very tough as many clubs have made good signings during the transfer window,” Soliman explained.

“But we will win the domestic league. It is so difficult for Ahly to lose titles. We have a motivation that keeps us apart from other sides.”