CAIRO: Egypt is to announce Nelo Vingada as the country's national team manager barring any hiccups on a proposed deal, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) said on Wednesday. Vingada, a Portuguese national, has a long history in Egypt, having coached Cairo-based Zamalek to its last league championship in 2004. “We have reached an agreement with Vingada to take charge of Egypt's senior team,” EFA spokesman Azmy Megahed told DPA. “We just need to sort out some details to complete the deal and make the official announcement,” he added. That could still leave worries on the EFA's side, as Vingada went from Zamalek to a disappointing run with Egypt's Olympic team. Then in 2009, he was hired to take over giants al-Ahly, but resigned before reaching the sidelines due to personal reasons. He has also headed Saudi Arabia and Jordan's national squads. “We preferred to hire Vingada due to his good Knowledge of the Egyptian and African football,” Megahed added. Former manager Hassan Shehata was fired after the three-time reigning African champions failed to qualify for the 2012 African Cup of Nations following a goalless draw at home to South Africa in June. He was recently reported to have taken over as manager of Zamalek. BM
