Citing Hassan Shehata's achievements as a reason to keep him at Egypt's helm indicates that the obsolete, retarded mindset the country has long suffered from is yet to completely change. The Pharaohs virtually lost their chance to reach the Nations Cup after succumbing to a 1-0 defeat by South Africa in a qualifier that saw Shehata plot an ineffective strategy, and his men produce a lackluster display. As such, questions were raised over the future of the highly-rated tactician but the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) was quick to give him a vote of confidence and highlight his striking African pedigree. "The FA decided in a board meeting led by chairman Samir Zaher to renew confidence in coach Hassan Shehata and his staff to lead the first team in the next phase," the EFA said on its official website. "This is based on the board's utmost belief in Shehata's abilities and what he achieved for Egyptian football during the past years." Shehata is undeniably the most decorated Egypt manager of all time, having unprecedentedly led his country to three consecutive Nations Cup titles in 2006, 2008 and 2010. But does this fact make him the right man to be in charge of team the next years? Reading the EFA's statement, I couldn't help but remember those who absurdly argued during the Janaury-25 Revolution that toppled president Honsi Mubarak should have stayed in power because he had fought in the 1973 war with Israel! Mubarak's role in the historic war, whatever it was, or any other feats he has performed during his 30-year ruling didn't exactly prevent the country from sinking deep into a morass of corruption. There is absolutely no comparison between both men but to the same extent, Shehata's imposing profile might not be enough for the national team to redeem themselves and regain their status as an African powerhouse. Being in the wrong frame of mind, like that of the EFA's officials, is not the only problem though. Egypt is also missing the kind of leaders that would step down on their own when they feel they are incapable of making a difference, not only for the sake of their group, but also to keep intact pleasant recollections of their tenures.
