Ahmad Shobair: Mosimane Wanted Mustafa's Loan, Al-Khatib Refused

Ahmad Shobair revealed the behind-the-scenes story of Al Ahly president Mahmoud Al-Khatib's refusal to allow Mustafa Shobair, the club's goalkeeper and Al-Khatib's son, to leave the club on loan. This request came from former coach Pitso Mosimane nearly six years ago. In statements on Al-Nahar TV, Shobair said, "When Mosimane was the head coach of Al Ahly, I was responsible for Future FC at that time, and we were finalizing contracts for some players. I watched Al Ahly's training, and Mosimane told me that Mustafa Shobair is a great player and advised me to loan him out as he wouldn't have a chance to play. I completely accepted this." He added, "I told Mosimane that Ali Maher had seen him in Al Ahly's youth team when he was sixteen and wanted to sign him for Smouha, but the club refused. He also had an offer from El Gouna, and the coach at that time, Reda Shahat, wanted to sign him. I suggested he play at El Gouna, and we would be at Al Ahly's service." Shobair concluded by revealing Al-Khatib's stance: "After we finished discussing Future FC players, I asked Al-Khatib what he thought about loaning Mustafa Shobair. He was surprised and asked, 'Loan?'. I explained what happened with Mosimane, and he firmly stated that Mustafa is the future of Al Ahly and will not leave. He then asked me to wait for his call at 11 AM, and indeed, he called to inform me that he spoke with Mosimane and that Mustafa will remain with Al Ahly forever."