Former Al Ahly SC and Egypt international Osama Orabi has praised the national team’s latest achievement under Hossam Hassan, saying the success carries added importance because it was delivered by an Egyptian coach.
Speaking on the “Al Kalam Al Mazboot” programme on ON Sport FM, Orabi said he was pleased by Egypt’s accomplishment and argued that the result should strengthen confidence in domestic managers.
“I am very happy with the achievement of the Egyptian national team, and I am even happier that this achievement was accomplished by an Egyptian coach, Hossam Hassan.”
Orabi said the national conversation around coaching appointments has often placed foreign managers on a higher level than Egyptian coaches, despite the contribution local figures have made to the national side’s history.
He acknowledged that foreign coaches have at times brought success to Egyptian football, but said the relationship has not been one-sided.
“In Egypt, we treat foreign coaches as if they were gods, even though we have benefited from them at many times and they have achieved accomplishments, but in return they have also benefited greatly from working in Egyptian football.”
Hossam Hassan’s Role in Egypt’s Latest Achievement
Hossam Hassan has overseen Egypt during the achievement referenced by Orabi, with the former player and coach now being credited for guiding the national side.
For Orabi, the significance of the result goes beyond the immediate achievement. He believes it adds to the evidence that Egyptian managers can lead the country effectively when they are trusted with the responsibility.
The former Egypt national football team player said Egypt’s major footballing achievements have repeatedly been secured under local coaches.
“The proof is that the greatest achievements of the Egyptian national team were achieved under the leadership of Egyptian coaches, starting with Captain Mahmoud El-Gohary, then Hassan Shehata, and now Hossam Hassan.”
His comments place Hossam Hassan alongside two prominent figures from Egypt’s football history: Mahmoud El-Gohary and Hassan Shehata.
Orabi’s argument is that the record of Egyptian managers should be considered when decisions are made about the national team’s technical direction. While he did not reject the contribution of overseas coaches, he stressed that local coaches should not be underestimated or treated as secondary options.
Call for Greater Confidence in Egyptian Coaches
Orabi concluded by saying Egyptian coaches possess the expertise and capability to produce strong results, provided they receive sufficient backing.
His remarks suggest that confidence, institutional support and the opportunity to work over time are central factors in whether a national coach can succeed.
The former player’s assessment comes after Egypt’s latest achievement under Hossam Hassan, which he described as a source of particular pride because it was achieved by a coach from within Egyptian football.
For Orabi, the result offers a reminder that Egypt has a long history of successful local management. He believes that legacy should shape how the country approaches future coaching decisions, with Egyptian coaches given the trust and support needed to compete and deliver at the highest level.
