Before Egypt took on the DR Congo in the quarter-finals, Egypt's midfielder Mohamed Barakat received the prestigious BBC African Footballer of the Year award in Cairo. Inas Mazhar talked to the star and inspiration The 29-year-old was instrumental in helping club side Ahli win the African Champions League title last November, a fact which led him to lift the prized award ahead of Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o and Nigerian marksman Obafemi Martins. More than 15,000 listeners of the BBC World Service's African sports show Fast Track as well as visitors to the BBC's African football website voted for the Egyptian international before the 31 December deadline. "This award will certainly lift the spirit and morale of the whole Egyptian team," a delighted Barakat, who had his family by his side, said. "I know that this award was won because of my form for Ahli, but the star of that team is not one individual but the team itself." Previous winners of the BBC award include Ghana's Sammy Kuffour, Senegal's El Hadji Diouf and Nigeria's Jay Jay Okocha, who won the award twice. Barakat started playing football at the age of 15 in the Sekka Hadid club in Cairo. "That was my beginning in the world of football," he told the Weekly. "I loved the sport but it was also because of the support of my parents that I have become what I am now. "My father is a great football fan. He made me love the sport and used to take me to the club for my training, wait for me and encourage me. And my mother, I can still remember how she used to come to my school and argue with the teachers and headmaster in order to take me out before the day ends because I had training or an important match." Three years later, Barakat was spotted by Ismaili club where he played for five years. "It was an important point in my career. Ismaili club is the third biggest in Egypt after Ahli and Zamalek." In his first year with Ahli the team won the national league after a five-year hiatus. Barakat then moved to Saudi Arabia, to Ittihad of Jeddah club for one year before going on to Qatar for another season. He played good football and led each of his two teams to the national league title. "I was then contacted by the Ahli officials and no player could turn down an offer from Ahli, the club of the century. I believe I have played the best of my football there. Ahli is so generous with its players. They provide us with all facilities and reply to our requests to ensure that we are playing in a clean atmosphere." Barakat is determined to lead his team to the African Nations Cup title on home soil. "We will be backed by our fantastic crowd, so it's an advantage we should make the most of. We want to make these people happy," he told the Weekly after receiving his award. "We will not allow anyone to take the cup from Egypt and leave. It will remain here." Although Barakat said he would be happy to remain with Ahli for the remainder of his career, he is keen to move to a top European club if the opportunity presents itself. "My profile will have been enhanced in receiving this trophy, and it's my ambition to go and play in Europe. If it happens, then wonderful. If not, then I know I'll still be happy with Ahli. "I might not be as young as Mido to play in Europe but I'm still capable of playing good football. I am playing the best football of my career and have won three championships with Ahli. If I had to choose to end my career anywhere I would choose Ahli." Assistant coach of the Egyptian team Shawki Gharieb said he was glad for Barakat. "Barakat is a great player. On the field, he is lively and a hard worker. He is a good leader and gives his team confidence at crucial moments. Off the pitch, he is funny and liked by his teammates because he is always making them laugh by his jokes. and joking around." Off the pitch, Barakat has little time with his wife, daughter Maram and son Adham. "I am always training and attending training camps. And when I have a chance, it's very difficult to take my family out. The public adores football and is crazy about the players. They won't leave us enjoy ourselves, so I prefer to stay home watching Arabic movies, whether old or new." Among those in the crowd when Barakat received his award was Egyptian federation president Samir Zaher, board member Magdi Abdel-Ghani, Ahli's head coach Manuel Jose, Egypt's coach Hassan Shehata and colleagues Ahmed "Mido" Hossam, captain Ahmed Hassan, Abdel-Zaher El-Sakka and goalkeeper Essam El-Hadari.
