Nader El-Sayed Weightlifts Egyptian Football: Zamalek’s Crisis Isn’t Money, It’s Management—and Bono Shines

Key takeaways

Nader El-Sayed stands among Egypt’s legendary goalkeepers, with a storied run for the national team and clubs like Zamalek and Al Ahly, plus a spell with Club Brugge in Belgium.

In a detailed interview with KOOORA, he weighs in on several football questions, offering a wide lens on the modern game.

He argues that developing Egyptian football should be guided by strict criteria, and that Zamalek’s current crisis is mainly administrative rather than financial.

He also highlights notable progress in Egypt’s goalkeeping, crediting coaches who push keepers to new heights.

What follows is a summarized, translated view of his remarks and questions from the interview.

Interview highlights

How would you assess the current state of Egyptian football?

Development should rest on clear benchmarks across technical, infrastructural, fan, and economic dimensions. We need to prove progress in these areas before judging overall growth. Global football has become a commercial enterprise, so our clubs must professionalize to meet international standards.

Is there a qualitative leap in Egypt’s goalkeeping?

Yes. The improvement stems from highly capable goalkeeping coaches who push players forward. In fact, the goalkeeper coaching setup may be more advanced in Egypt at times than the head coach’s influence.

Inside the fierce rivalry between Al Ahly’s goalkeepers – Mohamed El Shenawy vs Mostafa Shobier – how do you view it?

Competition is natural and healthy; no keeper remains number one forever. The rivalry narrows gaps, and Shobier proves himself with every appearance.

With Abdel Munim and Rabia gone, is Ahly defensively weaker?

Abdel Munim was important, and the team faces challenges not just in defense but in building attacks as well.

Was CAF’s handling of the group-stage VAR decision correct?

The decision, in his view, was not ideal.

What about the mood inside Zamalek?

The issue isn’t only financial; it’s a real administrative crisis with unclear delineation of roles. There’s a need for strategic leadership and separated execution teams rather than every board member driving operations.

Is signing Mehdi Suleiman a mistake given his current exclusion?

He prefers not to comment on transfers, leaving that to the club’s technical staff.

Why was Mohammed Sobhi used over Mohammed Awad against Kaiser Chiefs?

That choice is a purely technical decision; the coach is best positioned to explain it.

Did Sobhi bear significant responsibility for the equalizer vs Kaiser Chiefs?

Yes, he bears a sizable share of the fault.

Will Zamalek escape its crisis, or is a miracle needed?

Repeating the same steps will yield the same results; the root issue is organizational, not financial.

Was Ahmed Shenawy worthy of Africa’s best goalkeeper title?

Shenawy enjoyed one of his best seasons, but Bono deserves the crown in his view.

Overall, El-Sayed highlights a landscape where talent grows, but governance and structure must mature to sustain it.

And yes, the jokes keep rolling—because even football legends need a laugh after a long season.

Punchline 1: If administrative chaos were a sport, Zamalek would be world champions, with a trophy for best paperwork delays.

Punchline 2: They say football is a game of inches; in Egypt, it’s also a game of inches and committee meetings that somehow stretch to deadlines you never invited in.