The Premiership game between Wigan Athletic and Middlesbrough on Saturday witnessed the presence of three Egyptian players in both teams' starting line-up. A phenomenon happening for the first time ever in our long Egyptian footballing history. Striker Amr Zaki took his undisputed position in Wigan's attack. Mohamed Shawky and Ahmed Hossam ‘Mido' started their second successive league game for Middlesbrough, and all Egyptian eyes were on the game that hopefully might present a new era for Egyptians plying their trade in Europe. I still remember the day when we were all so envious of Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and even Morocco for having large number of European based internationals. For years Hani Ramzi was the only foreign based player in our national team, and when attention started to grow towards our players destinations were limited to lower class leagues like Turkey, Holland and France.
After that we started seeing individual cases like Yasser Radwan, Mohamed Omara and Abdel-Sattar Sabri who made it to Europe but never enjoyed the success, continuity or media coverage the Premiership trio are currently enjoying. Brits adore anything foreign, and when Zaki knocked their doors with his impressive and consistent displays he was more than praised by their media. A deserved appraisal which opened the way to more recognition for Mido, Shawky and any Egyptian talent appearing in the future. Media attention went on to focus on the Zaki - Mido confrontation ahead of the clash. Newspapers and websites highlighted the pair's positive comments towards each other, and with Shawky's presence the game was considered an all Egyptian affair. A consideration that really delights all of us and we just hope it can last longer than expected.
Experience showed what Zaki who was totally unknown in England few months ago achieved. It's not impossible and we are capable of having more players like him. In their pre-match coverage, the British media even overlooked the fact that Lee Catermole was facing old club Middlesbrough for the first time since the England U21's summer move to the Latics. The presence of three Egyptians in a Premiership clash was something none of us could dream of few years ago. It is a privilege to any country and all we hope for is to maintain such recognition. This can only be achieved through player's steady performances and unlimited ambition. Experience showed what Zaki who was totally unknown in England few months ago achieved. It's not impossible and we are capable of having more players like him. All our players need to do is function their abilities properly and have a professional ambitious mentality.
