Al Ahly head coach Pitso Mosimane has lauded the Egyptian giants who've started the process of constructing their new stadium.
The Club of the Century is recognised as one of the greatest sporting institutions with one of the biggest fanbases in world football and have taken the next step in their illustrious history with the start of the Al Ahly Stadium.
At the start of May, the foundation stone of the stadium was laid out a prestigious event at the club's premises in Sheikh Zayed City as the five-year process towards owning their own home ground begins.
The Red Devils currently play their football at Al-Salam Stadium, which was secured on a lease while their historic Mokhtar El Tetsh - the oldest stadium in Egypt - is set to be broken down.
Mosimane in awe of Ahly vision
Mosimane, who's been in charge of the African champions for eight months was present at the event last weekend and paid homage to their owners as the modern 50 000-seater arena, which will reportedly be constructed by the same company that designed Wembley and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
"Al Ahly is not great because of our achievements on the pitch, but also it is great because of our accomplishments out the field," he said.
"I would like to praise the crucial role of the club's board of directors, headed by president Mahmoud El-Khatib as they always think about the future."
"Also, they care a lot about the advertising and marketing and they will build a great stadium such as the European clubs."
The great dream of a Sporting Institution
One of the promises club legend and current President Mahmoud El-Khatib made upon his election was to fulfil the long-term dream of building a new state of the art stadium - which will not only benefit their football.
Two artificial turf pitches, eight squash courts, a gymnastics and karate hall and a social services building will also be built on the 48,000 meters area set aside for the construction.
Did you know?
Ahly's first stadium was built in 1909.
Your thoughts, please?
Do you think South African clubs should look to invest in infrastrcuture the same manner as the Egyptian giants?