The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) announced on Wednesday, November 27th the appointment of Shawky Gharib as Egypt’s national team new manager. He will succeed American Bob Bradley who left his post as The Pharaohs coach after failing to guide Egypt to the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
“Gharib has officially become the new Egypt coach. His contract will run until the end of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers,” said Egyptian Football Association (EFA) spokesman Azmy Megahed
Gharib (54 years) spent his playing career in Ghazl El Mahalla where he retired in 1993, winning the 1986 Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.
Gharib started his managing career by guiding Egypt youth team to a third place finish in the 2001 U-20 FIFA World Cup in Argentina. He worked as assistant to Hassan Shehata in The Pharaohs staff that took part in the historical treble as Egypt won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2006, 2008 and 2010. He then had short spell with Smouha and lately was appointed as Ismaily manager before leaving them to accept the national team mission.
“I promise to rebuild a national team capable of regaining Egypt’s victories again”, Gharib said in television interview right after his appointment. “EFA members gave me their full trust and I promise to pay that confidence back. My ambition knows no limits and I’ll give my all for the national team”.
EFA board member Magdy El Metenawy told the reporters Gharib’s mission is to qualify with Egypt to the 2015 Orange CAF African Cup of Nations and to reach at least the semi final of the continent’s showpiece. “We believe he’s the right man for the mission. He will choose his coaching staff and we’ll announce that once he presents them to the board”, he said.
Gharib was warmly welcomed by the national team players. “This is a great choice” said Al Ahly’s playmaker Mohamed Abu Treika. “Gharib worked for a long time with the national team and knows everything about the Pharaohs”. Swiss side FC Basel midfielder Mohamed Salah echoed Abu Treika’s words regarding the newly appointed manager. “Everyone knows who Gharib is. He’s a respectable coach and we believe we will succeed with him”, said the talented playmaker.
Confederation of African Football News
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