Rachad Al-Arefawi, the former player of Ghazl El Mahalla, African Club, and Esperance Tunis, emphasized the strength of the Egyptian Premier League, noting that all teams have strong capabilities that qualify them to compete for the top six positions as well as to avoid relegation.
Al-Arefawi added in statements to the "Stars of Aura League" program with Ahmed El-Masry on On Sport FM that Ghazl El Mahalla's start has not been ideal or up to expectations, but we have only played 7 rounds, and there is still time to correct things and seriously compete for one of the top six spots.
The former player of the Tunisian African Club continued that stability is vital in football, as it gives you an important advantage reflected in good results. The coaches I worked with, like Captain Alaa Abdel Aal, Captain Ahmed Khattab, and Captain Khaled Galal, are all great coaches with significant histories, and despite the lack of luck, we can compensate and return to deliver results and performances worthy of Ghazl El Mahalla's name.
He confirmed their hope to correct the mistakes that occurred in previous matches and to return as soon as possible to place Ghazl El Mahalla in the position it deserves.
Al-Arefawi continued his remarks, praising Zamalek's championship win last season despite all challenges, considering it a significant achievement. This season, many teams will enter the competition and challenge the top three fiercely.
Rachad Al-Arefawi: Al Ahly learned from its mistakes and will return strongly.. Pyramids and Ceramica will compete for the league
Al-Arefawi pointed out that Al Ahly's failure to win any championship last season was a major surprise, emphasizing that whenever he sees Al Ahly, he recalls memories of Real Madrid in the early 2000s when they attracted the world's top stars but failed to win any titles.
Al-Arefawi explained that names alone do not create success in football; rather, it is about integrated and cohesive teams. Therefore, I see Al Ahly as a very great team that has learned from its mistakes and will return to compete seriously this season alongside Zamalek, Pyramids, and Ceramica under Captain Ali Maher’s leadership.
The former player of the Tunisian African Club added that in the past, Al Ahly and Zamalek players entered matches with an advantage, or perhaps we would say they were winners before playing, but many things have changed now.
Al-Arefawi noted that Pyramids has become a strong competitor in all tournaments, evidenced by their victory in the CAF Champions League, and Ceramica is also performing well, so we may witness many surprises in the league this season.
Rachad Al-Arefawi: The Egyptian league surpasses the Tunisian one.. and Ghazl El Mahalla's fans are "wonderful" and support us strongly
Al-Arefawi expressed his sadness over Ismaily's absence from the Aura League this season, stressing that football is for the fans, but competition requires significant financial capabilities. Therefore, a balance must be achieved between the enjoyment of football and the fans and the continued presence of popular clubs with strong financial capabilities.
Al-Arefawi continued that this issue does not exist in Tunisia, where all clubs have strong fan bases. Pyramids is a good example, as it has significant capabilities that qualify it to be among the elite, crowned with the CAF Champions League but lacking supportive fans. Thus, the Egyptian league enjoys its appeal thanks to the balance between financially capable teams and popular clubs, which is the essence of enjoyment.
The former player of the Tunisian African Club added that fan support for the team is a positive aspect, and a player who cannot handle pressure should stay away from football, as he lacks ambition. Ghazl El Mahalla's fans are wonderful; they support us strongly and always give us great motivation. There may be some criticisms, but that comes from love and concern for the team.
Al-Arefawi pointed out that the Egyptian league surpasses the Tunisian league in terms of financial capabilities and infrastructure, while investors there have stopped investing and sponsoring clubs, unlike what is happening in Egypt. However, in terms of the quality of Tunisian players, there are still many good aspects.
Rachad Al-Arefawi: I hope to play for one of the top three.. and the Tunisian player excels over the Egyptian for this reason
Al-Arefawi confirmed that the speed of adaptation, the language, and the culture close to Europe, along with a large number of Tunisian players, are among the most important reasons for the Tunisian player's superiority over the Egyptian in foreign professional leagues.
He added: I benefited greatly from my experience in the Egyptian Premier League, and I aspire to play for one of the top three, as those without ambition will not progress in football.
The former player of the Tunisian African Club noted that this does not mean belittling Ghazl El Mahalla, but rather it is a great club with its name, history, and fans who can place the team in the position it deserves.
Al-Arefawi continued: Popular clubs always give you an advantage and great experiences compared to corporate clubs, and the Egyptian league is one of the strongest leagues in North Africa.
Rachad Al-Arefawi: Ali Maaloul is "a very great player".. and Moein Chaabani is the only one capable of restoring Tunisian football to its place.. and Mohamed Salah is "a global star"
Al-Arefawi stated that Tunisian football has seen a significant decline in recent years, which has shocked the fans who love the game, perhaps due to weak capabilities or the inability of players coming from Europe to adapt. I wish good luck to Captain Moein Chaabani; he is a great coach with immense abilities and can restore Tunisian football to the place it deserves.
Al-Arefawi continued: Hossam Hassan and Moein Chaabani are both great coaches and, in my opinion, the best candidates to lead the technical management of the Egyptian and Tunisian national teams at this time. God willing, they will achieve successes with the Pharaohs and the Eagles of Carthage.
The former player of the Tunisian African Club added: Mohamed Salah is among the best players in the world, having achieved everything imaginable in football. His move to the Turkish league is an excellent step; it is a strong league filled with stars, and it is a good option in my opinion. I hope he has a distinguished season.
He continued: Ali Maaloul is a role model for all players in the world; he has discipline close to Cristiano Ronaldo. He is a great player and deserves the position he has reached, and I wish he had stayed with Al Ahly, as he is a great source of pride for us, and he has many years ahead with Sfaxien, God willing.
Al-Arefawi concluded his remarks by saying: Mohamed Ali Ben Ramadan is a distinguished player and one of the best Tunisian players, but he joined Al Ahly at the wrong time, and he can return to his previous level and achieve a distinguished professional career.
Rachad Al-Arefawi: Imam Ashour is the best player in Egypt.. and I am neither an Ahly nor a Zamalek fan
Al-Arefawi confirmed that Imam Ashour is currently the best player in Egyptian football, as he has been delivering outstanding performances over the past few years. He is a very smart player with great abilities and skills, so you are looking at a very great player.
Al-Arefawi continued in statements to the "Stars of Aura League" program with Ahmed El-Masry on On Sport FM: Ceramica Cleopatra with Captain Ali Maher is currently the best team in Egyptian football, as they are delivering wonderful performances.
The former player of the Tunisian African Club added: I love El Mahalla; I am neither an Ahly nor a Zamalek fan in Egypt, nor a Taraji or African fan because I played for both teams. I support all the teams I have worn their jerseys.
He continued: I hope we deliver competitive performances with Ghazl El Mahalla and finish the season in a position that befits the name, history, and fans of the club.
Al-Arefawi concluded his remarks by saying: I love Egyptian food very much, and the most important dish for me is the hawawshi, and I feel that I have become Egyptian and speak like you.
