Derby Dreams and the 21-Team League: Vingada's Take on Egypt's Football Pulse
29 septembre 2025
Portuguese coach Nelo Vingada, one of the most influential Portuguese figures in the Arab football world, sits down for an exclusive conversation with Kooora ahead of the Cairo derby between Al Ahly and Zamalek.
He has built successful spells with the Saudi national team, led Zamalek, managed the Jordanian national team and the Egypt Olympic team, and has worked with other clubs in the region.
Hours before the classic clash, he shares his view on Egyptian football, defends Mohamed Salah for the Ballon d'Or, and weighs in on a host of topics from league format to transfers.
The State of Egyptian Football Today
This season the Egyptian Premier League features 21 teams, an unusual setup that Vingada calls out as not ideal for healthy competition. He argues that the focus should be on investing in youth and infrastructure to raise the game's level.
He notes that a stable foundation is essential for sustainable growth and that the current variations risk diluting the quality.
Derby Spotlight: Ahly vs Zamalek
The Ahly–Zamalek clash remains the pinnacle of African club football, even if both clubs have endured irregular seasons. Zamalek started the season stronger; Ahly still fields a very capable squad, but recent results have not yet reflected their true potential.
He sees the derby as a showcase of intensity and talent, with both teams expected to deliver football worthy of the Egyptian crowd.
He cites that Ahly will feel the absence of key players like Zizo and Imam Ashour, with Imam Ashour's absence particularly impactful. He reiterates that Ahly is currently missing its most important player.
Stars, Transfers, and the Road Ahead
On the transfer landscape, Marmoush's connection to Manchester City highlights the depth of talent in Egyptian football. The league's instability, he suggests, could allow Pyramids to compete for the title.
In continental terms, Pyramids should be competitive in the CAF Champions League and could reach the later stages.
Regarding the Ballon d'Or, he believes Salah delivered a phenomenal season and argues that his ranking should reflect that performance.
As for Dembele, he notes that Dembele's season was not ordinary; while the PSG star shone, there are other players regarded as among the best in the world.
On Salah's future with Liverpool, he believes the contract renewal was a wise move and hopes Salah stays with the Reds as long as possible, wishing for a grand ending to his time there.
He also praises Marmoush's potential after his move to Manchester City, predicting a bright future ahead for the winger.
And finally, he reflects on his spell with Zamalek: 59 matches, 42 wins, 9 draws, 8 losses, including two memorable wins over Al Ahly.
Punchlines: If Egyptian football were a spice, this Derby would be extra hot and memorable. If football had a GPS, it would happily reroute fans to the nearest stadium—because the best comedy and the best goals happen live.
