The Slow Collapse of Giants: How Al Ahly Became a Warning Sign

Rulani Mokwena’s Warning About Big Institutions

He once said that big institutions do not collapse overnight, they become dilapidated bit by bit. According to him, the warning signs begin when people inside the institution become entitled, when hard work is no longer appreciated, and when small achievements are taken for granted. Eventually, one day people look around and ask, “How did this institution get here?” But when they reflect, they realize the signs had been there all along.

Today, Al Ahly SC, the biggest and most successful club in African football history, is beginning to look like the perfect example of that warning.

A Culture of Instability

For years, Al Ahly built its reputation on stability, standards, and a winning culture. Success was expected, but there was also structure and patience. However, their recent business model and decision-making have slowly created an unhealthy environment around the club.

This is a club that has fired coaches after winning major trophies such as the CAF Champions League or domestic league titles. The pressure for perfection became so extreme that even success no longer guaranteed security.

The situation became even more shocking when Jose Riveiro former coach of Orlando Pirates was reportedly dismissed after only four domestic matches and three FIFA Club World Cup games in charge. Decisions like these send a dangerous message throughout a football institution. Results matter more than process, and there is little room for growth, adaptation, or stability.

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A Toxic Environment Behind the Scenes

Another troubling pattern has been the club’s approach to punishment. Reports of players being fined after defeats point toward a culture driven more by fear than by motivation. While accountability is important at elite clubs, constantly creating a punitive environment can slowly destroy confidence, trust, and togetherness within a squad.

And now the consequences are beginning to show.

The Cost of Missing the CAF Champions League

Al Ahly SC are on the verge of making one of the biggest mistakes in their modern history, not because they failed to qualify for the CAF Champions League, but because of reports suggesting they may choose not to participate in the CAF Confederation Cup after finishing third in the league.

For a club of Al Ahly’s stature, the Confederation Cup may not carry the same prestige as the Champions League. However, turning away from the competition could be a costly decision in the long term.

The CAF Confederation Cup presents an opportunity for rebuilding. It gives young players valuable continental experience, exposes them to high-pressure matches, and helps prepare the next generation for when the club eventually returns to the CAF Champions League.

Big clubs do not recover by withdrawing from competition. They recover by rebuilding through competition.

The ripple effects could also extend beyond African football. Failure to compete consistently at continental level places Al Ahly’s future FIFA Club World Cup qualification hopes in serious danger. Four African clubs qualify for the tournament, and Pyramids FC have already secured one spot after winning the CAF Champions League. Either Mamelodi Sundowns or AS FAR are likely to strengthen their position as well.

For Al Ahly, this period should be about resetting the culture, trusting young talent, and rebuilding the institution from within. Walking away from continental football, even the Confederation Cup, would only deepen the concerns surrounding the direction of the club.

A Disaster by Al Ahly Standards

By Al Ahly’s standards, this season has been nothing short of disastrous:

❌ Lost the Egyptian Premier League title
❌ Lost the CAF Champions League title
❌ Lost the Egypt Cup title
❌ Lost the League Cup title
❌ Missed out on CAF Champions League qualification next season

For most clubs, one difficult season would simply be part of football. But for a giant like Al Ahly, these are not isolated failures. They may be signs of a deeper institutional problem.

The Small Signs Before the Fall

Rulani’s words now sound more relevant than ever. Giants rarely collapse instantly. The downfall starts quietly through small decisions, toxic habits, instability, and a culture that slowly forgets what made the institution great in the first place.

And by the time everyone notices the collapse, it may already be too late.