VAVA Voom to Egypt: Henry in talks to manage Egypt national team.

Talks are in advance stage between Thierry Henry and Egypt FA on the prospect of managing the national team.

Nader El-Sayed, a formal footballer with Zamalek of Egypt and now a sports marketing agent broke the news. He said he has spoken to Thierry representative and Egypt FA board member Hazem Emam in a meeting in London.

The former Arsenal and French striker had worked as Assistant head coach to Roberto Martinez managing Belgium national side to third place finish at the just concluded world cup.

The man known as Vava Voom stepped down recently from a very lucrative job as a sky sports pundit to pursue a career in football management on his own.

El-Sayed further claim that talks are In advance stages, he said Thierry is only waiting to learn more about EFA team development plan before committing himself to the offer on ground.

“We had a meeting with Thierry Henry agent in London and Hazem Emam was present. Henry is waiting for the EFA’s project for the team before deciding on the offer, apart from the economic aspect”. El-Sayed said to Egyptian radio station, as quoted by king fut media.

The Egyptian FA now want France World Cup winner Henry to replace Argentine Hector Cuper, who was sacked after the Pharaohs lost all three games at the World Cup finals.

Thierry will not lack experience to manage players like Mo Salah and the rest of them having managed Kevin de bruyna, Vincent Kompany and Eden Hazard at the biggest stage of all, FIFA World cup finals in Russia. But the biggest challenge will be dealing with corrupt politicians and officials.

Last week we thought Vava Voom was going to Villa but Aston Villa hierarchy decided to keep faith with Steve Bruce making Henry to seek for a management position elsewhere. I think Henry is ready to go the management journey alone but need to think Egyptians offer over thoroughly.

OPINION

I wouldn’t think Egypt or any African nation can fulfill the ambition of a man of Thierry’s standard, certainly not Egypt. From my experience of African football, management and government interference and diversion of fund meant for national team, it will be a daunting task. To get Egypt to a standard Thierry would love to operate in the face of a very hostile environment like Egypt will be a whole new level of experience for the world cup winner.

Africa love and adores football but the government are so corrupt to an alarming proportion, they will pay Henry whatever he want for the job but to motivate the players when government officials can not keep up with players bonuses, sports kits and general wellbeing is a major factor in African football.

Egypt like few other north African nations, posses a different challenge to the rest of Africa. On top of corruption in high places, there is also the threat of terrorism, intolerance and serious aggression especially when things aren’t going as expected. They loose patience so easily and would turn against any foreigner in a flash.

I think Thierry Henry shouldn’t rush into this job with Egypt, better opportunity should be around the corner, maybe club football or a better national side. Managing football team in Africa is nothing like seen or heard elsewhere.