Tunisian player Seif Taqa, currently with Wadi Degla and a former player for Espérance Tunis, stated that the competition for the top six positions will be very intense this season among the clubs. He noted that after the first six rounds, the battle for the league title will be fierce between Al Ahly and Pyramids FC.
In statements to the "Stars of the Aura League" program with Ahmed El Masry on On Sport FM, Taqa said that Zamalek is a prestigious team and will not be affected by the absence of any player, no matter how important, even if it is Bezzira, as the club has outstanding players, especially from the youth and junior ranks. Looking back at the start of last season, the Brazilian was not performing at the required level, but he improved significantly towards the end of the season, benefiting the team which went on to win the title. Therefore, Zamalek has the ability to compensate for him through its youth if given the opportunity.
The former Espérance player added that the performance of Al Ahly and Zamalek in the recent derby match did not meet the expectations for the biggest game awaited by fans every season, but there is a saying that the result is much more important than the performance in such matches.
Taqa continued that the performance of Al Ahly players this season has changed significantly compared to last season, and he believes that the duo Imam Ashour and Marwan Attia are currently the best in midfield and capable of making a difference against any opponent thanks to their distinct quality.
Seif Taqa: Al Ahly is the favorite to win the league this season, and Zamalek will not repeat last season's achievement
Tunisian Seif Taqa, currently with Wadi Degla and a former player for Espérance Tunis, confirmed that Al Ahly and Zamalek are the two teams that have secured their places among the top six alongside Pyramids FC, with three spots still up for grabs among the other teams based on the points they will earn. He hopes that Wadi Degla will be among them.
Taqa added that this season's league will be contested between Al Ahly and Pyramids, as Al Ahly has shown a different side this season under Moroccan coach Hussein Ammouta, which had a clear impact in the recent derby match.
Seif Taqa pointed out that anything is possible in football, recalling what Zamalek achieved last season, but the situation is very difficult this year, as Al Ahly and Pyramids have strong administrations and stability both technically and administratively, and they are not facing any problems unlike Zamalek.
Taqa continued, stating that Al Ahly is the closest to winning the league this season, with Pyramids as its closest competitor, but the situation is becoming more complicated for Zamalek due to ongoing registration issues and the lack of new signings.
Seif Taqa: Our ambition is to be among the top teams this season, and we wished for Mohamed El Sheikh to stay
Tunisian Seif Taqa confirmed that the current season of the Egyptian Premier League will be more challenging and exciting, as there were 7 teams in the title group last season, while this season there are only 6 clubs, increasing the difficulty of the competition. He added that Al Ahly and Pyramids are the best among all clubs.
Taqa continued, "We had a remarkable season last year, but we missed the chance to be among the top seven by just two points. We aim this season to be among the top six alongside Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Pyramids, despite a rocky start in the league and losing some important points."
The former Espérance player added, "The departure of coaches is a normal occurrence in football. Wadi Degla is the fifth or sixth team in my career, and similar situations have happened at all clubs. I remember when I was at Espérance Tunis, we were at the top of the standings, but problems arose between the administration and the coach, leading to the departure of the Dutch coach at that time. This is the way of life."
He continued, "The departure of a coach may lead to confusion within the team, especially in the case of Mohamed El Sheikh, who had been the team's coach for three years, and everyone had become accustomed to his style. Suddenly, he leaves, but the decision is in the hands of the administration, which surely knows what is in the best interest of the team, and this matter must be accepted."
Seif Taqa continued, "As players, we prefer stability and wished for Mohamed El Sheikh to stay, but his time here has ended, and there are better opportunities for him. Captain Mostafa Shbita is the current coach and plays a significant role as a former player of Al Ahly. We benefit from his experience, and he is performing well so far. I wish him success."
Seif Taqa: Fan pressure ended Ben Ramadan's career at Al Ahly early, and playing for the Red team is a dream for any Arab player
Tunisian Seif Taqa stated that there are many reasons that prevented his compatriot Mohamed Ali Ben Ramadan from continuing with Al Ahly, including that he was one of the top midfield players in Egypt. Al Ahly players are national team players, and thus he did not feel comfortable adapting quickly to the atmosphere in Egypt, as harmonizing with Egyptian players is difficult, and there is no guaranteed success. He added, "Ali Maaloul succeeded because he participated in scoring and assisting goals, but Ben Ramadan may not have had his full opportunity or was affected by fan pressure, whether from Tunisia or from Al Ahly fans who were eager to see him perform strongly."
Taqa continued, "Fan pressure affected him; everyone was talking about him before his arrival, and Esperance fans rejected the deal, so the situation was tough for the player. However, at the same time, it is difficult to refuse an offer from Al Ahly, no matter the circumstances."
The former Espérance player added that he faced Ben Ramadan in a match last season, and when he spoke to him about playing for Al Ahly, he found him uncomfortable and unhappy, trying hard to perform well, but time did not favor him.
He continued, "A great player can return quickly; he tried, but circumstances did not help him. Al Ahly is always successful, and he wanted to succeed with the Red team, but he did not harmonize as required and needed more time and patience. Al Ahly always has two teams, not just one."
Taqa continued, "Playing for Al Ahly is a dream for any Arab or Tunisian player. Every player wishes to wear Al Ahly's jersey, and many Tunisian stars have played and excelled with the Red team. I hope for any distinguished Tunisian player to wear Al Ahly's jersey and provide the required contribution."
Seif Taqa: Moein Chaabani is currently the best Tunisian coach, and everyone wished for Maaloul to stay at Al Ahly
Tunisian Seif Taqa stated that Moein Chaabani is currently the best Tunisian coach in the African arena, as he has achievements both as a player and a coach. He added, "We did not want Sabri Lamouchi to be the coach of the national team at the World Cup due to problems between him and the Tunisian Football Federation, and his desire to change 80% of the core squad, which has experience and was capable of performing honorably in the World Cup."
Taqa continued, "Moein Chaabani is a coach with charisma and a strong personality. He understands the players and can bring out the best in them. I trained under his leadership at Ceramica Cleopatra and benefited greatly from his experience. When he moved to Nahdet Berkane, he achieved success and won titles. The most important thing now is Tunisia's qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027."
The former Espérance player added, "The Tunisian league has declined due to player migration abroad in search of money, and only a few play in big clubs like Esperance and Espérance Tunis. The Egyptian national team under Hossam Hassan performed greatly in the World Cup, especially against Argentina. I was very happy watching the match as if Tunisia were playing, and currently, the Egyptian national team is very strong thanks to world-class stars like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush."
He continued, "The return of Ali Maaloul to the Tunisian national team would be very beneficial, as any team should have star players like Maaloul, because the national team always needs new players who learn commitment and discipline to integrate quickly and be utilized more effectively."
Taqa concluded his remarks, "Everyone wished for Ali Maaloul to stay at Al Ahly because of the love for him and what he has achieved in terms of accomplishments and titles over the years. We have heard a lot about renewing his contract or his role as an administrative element, but in the end, the administration always knows what is in the best interest of the club and the team."
