Al Ahly have reportedly issued a stern warning to their players, including South Africa's Percy Tau, going to the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Egyptians giants have nine first-team players heading to AFCON after they were called up by their respective nations, and excitement is building as the tournament gets underway next weekend, on 13 January, in the Ivory Coast.
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In recent weeks, some members of the club have been very vocal about their hectic match schedule and the toll it is taking on their players.
Already this season, the Red Devils have competed in the Egyptian Cup, the CAF Super Cup, the African Football League, the Egypt Super Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the CAF Champions League.
While the daunting fixture list seems to have been their biggest issue so far this term, Ahly are now paying attention to something else that could have a detrimental effect on their players.
According to El Watan News, Percy Tau and the eight others heading to AFCON have all been warned by the Ahly hierarchy to avoid engaging with any player agents and marketing companies at the competition.
A source told the outlet that the team's management has told the group to only focus on what happens on the pitch and try to perform well.
It is said they were also told to try to return to Cairo in a good condition to compete at a high level, with the team hoping to replicate last season's success when they won five trophies.
A lot will need to be sorted out after AFCON, when Tau and three other players could sign new contracts at head coach Marcel Koller's request.
The Bafana Bafana star is down to the final six months of his current deal, and it remains unclear what his next move will be.
Given this situation, it appears Ahly do not want any outside interference from agents with their players or any commercial brands to sway their hearts.
Meanwhile, further reports suggest that the club is willing to listen to good offers for Mali midfielder Aliou Dieng amid interest in his services from Europe and the Middle East.
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Goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy is also on the radars of Saudi Pro League giants Al Nassr and Al Ittihad, according to KingFut.
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