Egypt s national team coach Rui Vitoria. (Photo: EFA facebook page)
In a recent television program, Vitoria emphasized the urgency of initiating the development process.
"We must start working on the development of football in Egypt right away, or it will not progress in the future," he said.
Inspired by successful models like Nigeria and Ghana, Vitoria called for teams to allow players with European offers to depart, acknowledging the benefits of international exposure.
"Teams should agree to let players with European offers leave, following in the footsteps of Nigeria and Ghana," he asserted.
Vitoria also addressed the financial aspect of the game in Egypt, highlighting the presence of three teams that offer substantial sums to players, positioning them as key figures in the sport.
"There are three teams in Egypt that pay significant amounts of money to players, treating them as the kings of the game," he added.
In addition to these reforms, the coach stressed the importance of nurturing a strong mentality among Egyptian players and fostering agreements that enable them to compete overseas.
"We must focus on developing the players' mentality in Egypt and establish protocols that allow them to play abroad," Vitoria affirmed.
Since assuming the role of Pharaohs coach in July 2022, the 53-year-old tactician has made significant strides.
Under his guidance, Egypt has secured their record-extending 26th appearance in the 2023 African Cup of Nations, set to be held in Ivory Coast in January 2024.
As part of his vision for the future, Vitoria emphasized the need to revamp football infrastructure within the country.
He stressed the importance of upgrading stadiums and training facilities while also advocating for the early preparation of players starting from the age of five.
To enhance the prospects of Egyptian talent joining European teams, Vitoria called for an emphasis on improving the English language skills of young players.
"We need to work on improving the English language skills of our young players to facilitate their integration into European teams," he explained.
Recognizing the inevitability of changes in the national team's composition, Vitoria emphasized the importance of allowing players to gain overseas experience, preparing for a future without star players like Mohamed Salah or Mohamed Elneny.
"In five years' time, we won't have Mohamed Salah or Elneny, so we must permit players to compete abroad starting from now," he concluded.
Under Vitoria's leadership, Egypt’s team currently lead Group A in the African World Cup qualifiers, having won both of their matches and amassing a perfect six points.
The Pharaohs' campaign in the continental tournament will kick off on 14 January 2024, as they find themselves grouped with Ghana, Cape Verde, and Mozambique.
Vitoria’s development plan summary
- Starting to work on football development in Egypt promptly, as failure to do so will hinder future progress.
- Encouraging teams to permit players with European offers to leave, inspired by the approaches of Nigeria and Ghana.
- Focusing on nurturing the players' mentality in Egypt and establishing protocols that enable them to play abroad.
- Enhancing the English language skills of young players to facilitate their integration into European teams.
- Upgrading stadiums and training facilities to provide better resources for players.
- Advocating for early player preparation, starting from the age of five.
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