If Ahly’s midfield striker Mohamed Aboutreika wins the title as the best player in Africa, he will dedicate the award to victims of Port Said stadium tragedy in Egypt, reported Ahram online Thursday.
“This has been a special year for me, a year of sadness. But on the other hand, it has motivated me to go on and give all that I’ve got to win something and dedicate it to the Ahly martyrs, who lost their lives in Port Said,” Aboutreika said.
The Egyptian court is still investigating the deaths of 72 Ahly fans during the tragic incident in February.
The 33-year-old player, who was also voted as Africa’s best player in 2008, said that he was very proud to have been nominated for the title, adding that the nomination was a “boost and mental push” for his career.
The Ahly football team is currently making a bid for their seventh African Champions League trophy after a game against Esperance of Tunisia in Rades resulted in a draw in the first leg last Sunday.
“If I’m not the one to win, I hope Msakni clinches it,” Aboutreika said.
“Last year, Tunisia’s Oussama Darragui won the award, and the year before it was my teammate, Ahmed Hassan. I hope the North African winning streak continues, be it me or Msakni.”
The awarding of the winner will be held on December 20.
“This has been a special year for me, a year of sadness. But on the other hand, it has motivated me to go on and give all that I’ve got to win something and dedicate it to the Ahly martyrs, who lost their lives in Port Said,” Aboutreika said.
The Egyptian court is still investigating the deaths of 72 Ahly fans during the tragic incident in February.
The 33-year-old player, who was also voted as Africa’s best player in 2008, said that he was very proud to have been nominated for the title, adding that the nomination was a “boost and mental push” for his career.
The Ahly football team is currently making a bid for their seventh African Champions League trophy after a game against Esperance of Tunisia in Rades resulted in a draw in the first leg last Sunday.
“If I’m not the one to win, I hope Msakni clinches it,” Aboutreika said.
“Last year, Tunisia’s Oussama Darragui won the award, and the year before it was my teammate, Ahmed Hassan. I hope the North African winning streak continues, be it me or Msakni.”
The awarding of the winner will be held on December 20.
