Bibo stays with Ahli
AFTER much-awaited public anticipation, Al-Ahli's super-star striker Khaled Bibo has quietened the apprehension, signing on with his team for another two seasons.
Despite several sizeable European offers, -- the latest from Dutch club Fenwood Rotrodam worth millions of dollars -- the player finally signed with Al- Ahli for $120,000. The earnings do not stop there, however, for the player will receive an equal sum from businessmen supporters of the club, tally in his earnings at a total $240,000. The commitment to the club seems firm, but time has proven that loyalties do change. In a measure of precaution, Bibo and the club's management have agreed that if, during the coming two years, he decides to turn pro abroad, Al-Ahli will receive 30 per cent of his new contract.
Several European and Arab clubs were in the chase to sign Bibo on, after leading his team to remarkable victories in a powerful season. Bibo, however, opted for Al-Ahli over the foreign clubs despite the temptations of the other offers. The local talent, famous for his hat-trick at the famous Ahli-Zamalek match that Ahli won 6-1, said he was glad he had re-signed with his "beloved" club.
"I don't care for money," he said. "I don't consider the offers from which I might financially gain lots of money. It's Al-Ahli I want at the time being. I want to play as many matches as I can with Al-Ahli and achieve as many titles with the club, especially the league championship which we failed to achieve the past season."
© Copyright Al-Ahram Weekly. All rights reserved
