Khaled El-Darandaly, the vice-president of the Egyptian Football Association, recently opened up about the internal challenges that overshadowed Egypt’s preparation for their 5-0 victory against South Sudan in the second round of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. His insights reveal an underlying tension that could affect the future of the team dynamics.
Issues in Organization and Communication
During an appearance on the “On Sport” channel, El-Darandaly highlighted significant organizational problems that arose during their travel. He explained that the technical staff and players were delayed in reaching the airport, leading to a breach of protocol that typically requires the delegation leader to be greeted by the team. “There was no direct overstepping; however, administrative errors were evident,” he stated. This misstep set the stage for a disconnect among the team members, as noted by El-Darandaly, who indicated that he received an indirect message from Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan, suggesting a rift within the delegation. “We spent the entire flight in our own worlds,” he remarked.
Handling Internal Crisis
El-Darandaly acknowledged that leading the delegation carries the weight of representing Egypt’s reputation. He made it a priority to maintain composure throughout the ordeal. Upon arrival, he took immediate steps to streamline organizational aspects, even arranging separate dining areas for the players and technical staff and guests from the Football Association. “The communication lines remained open with the players, but there was no interaction with the technical staff after the match against South Sudan,” he noted, emphasizing his role as head of delegation. Furthermore, he confirmed that there was no dialogue between prominent players like Mohamed Salah and the association’s president regarding these internal issues.
Future of the Technical Staff
As the team faces scrutiny, questions arise about whether the current technical staff can withstand the pressure of this internal crisis. El-Darandaly stated that there are no immediate plans for the technical staff to leave, though he hinted at the need for a decisive evaluation of the situation. “There have been unusual circumstances that cannot go unchecked,” he mentioned, acknowledging that previous statements from the technical staff often drew criticism without proper consideration. He intends to convene a meeting with Hany Abo Rida and the technical staff to address points of contention. “We’re not in conflict with anyone, but the dissemination of information that bypasses the head of the delegation is unacceptable,” he asserted.
Media Relations and Player Support
Reports have suggested that the Egyptian Football Association’s public backing of goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy has created tension, particularly with Hossam Hassan, who criticized the player. El-Darandaly defended the association’s stance, stating that the decision to support El-Shenawy reflected a united front among board members. “It was agreed upon unanimously, and such support is natural in the realm of team dynamics,” he explained.
As the national team gears up to face South Africa in a friendly match at Cairo Stadium, the challenges highlighted by El-Darandaly serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in team management. Effective communication, organizational clarity, and collective support will be pivotal as Egypt navigates through this tumultuous period. The outcome of the upcoming match will not only be a test of skill but also a reflection of how well the team has reconciled its internal conflicts.