National football hero. Saleh started, in 1948, with Egypt's famous Al-Ahly Football Club and went on to lead Egyptian national team to numerous domestic and African trophies. He also played internationally with Sturm Graz of Austria in the 1960s. He was elected five times President of Al-Ahly Club until he died. Saleh who hailed from Egypt's old aristocracy was a man of integrity, who was recognised as disciplined and efficient manager and revered as a folk hero. Saleh Selim's last days were spent in London battling with the chronic illness that eventually claimed his life.