CAIRO: American Bob Bradley inked a new deal with the Egyptian Football Association on Sunday, giving the former US National Team manager the top job for Egyptian football. After inking the deal, he told reporters that the goal will be to take the Pharaohs to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. “I am proud to be the Egyptian national team's new coach,” Bradley told reporters, adding that he knows that Egyptians have a proud football tradition and that he would do his best to return the country to its glory, which saw them win three consecutive continental titles before a run of dismal form saw them ousted from African Cup of Nations qualifying. Egypt has not qualified for football's top tournament since 1990, but Bradley believes that with the talent pool available, including the youngsters who recently placed third at the African U-20 championships, it is possible to get the Egyptians to Brazil. “After such three glorious ACN victories, I know I'll have a tough job. It is a challenge and exciting too,” Bradley said. “We understand the goal and the dream,” he added. The 53-year-old said that the Egyptian Premier League boasts many talented players that he will begin to discover in the near future. “I will discover them and make full use of them,” he said, pointing out that he will give these talented stars the chance to build a new, strong national team. The American coach inked a three-year deal through to the World Cup. “I have a plan to build such a new, strong team,” he stressed, adding that this can be achieved by finding the right balance between the best young and old players. BM
