Afrotto doesn't want to 'hate' Ahli

The 21-year-old playmaker has only appeared for 30 minutes in the league opener against Police Union, despite the absence of some key players of late.

Nevertheless he intends to keep his cool as he hopes the continuous snub won't affect his loyalty to the Reds.

"Some people want to force me into hating Ahli and I am trying hard to overcome this because I love the club," Afrotto said.

"I don’t think this could happen after 15 years with Ahli, but I also hope to get the chance like the rest of my generation.

"I understand the manager's view not to select me and I know he has got a star-studded squad, but I am really eager to participate.

"I am not ready to go and ask him about why I am not playing; I have confidence in my abilities."

Afrotto emerged as a promising talent in last year's Youth World Cup in Egypt, along with Ahmed Shokri, Shehab Ahmed and Mohamed Talaat.