Bradley set to boost Egyptian football

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Tuesday, February 21 2012 by SNTV

Intro:

Egypt football manager Bob Bradley said on Monday that he looks forward to welcoming players from the Al-Ahly club back to the international squad whenever they are ready.

Al-Masry supporters stormed the field to attack Al-Ahly fans - and players - when the two clubs met on 1st February, their actions leaving 74 dead.

Script:

The Egyptian national team trained on Monday ahead of Saturday's friendly match with Uganda.

Egypt won the African Cup of nations in 2010, but were denied the opportunity to defend their crown after failing to qualify for next year's tournament.

Egyptian football has recently been cast in shadow after turbulent events surrounding a match between Al-Masry and the Cairo-based Al-Ahly.

The result was a stadium riot, 74 deaths and days of violence.

Egypt manager Bob Bradley is trying to stay focussed on the sport.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

Bob Bradley, Egypt manager:

"We definitely have a chance to be successful. The situation in the country right now is a challenge for everyone but we can never forget that there are still many talented players in Egypt and we must find a good way to work with them and make sure that we have a good idea of the work they need to become a good team."

Club side Al-Ahly reportedly returned to training on Monday, but their players are yet to re-join the national side.

But Bradley says they'll be welcome whenever they're ready.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

Bob Bradley, Egypt manager:

"Al-Ahly is a very important club in Egypt and will be important as we continue to work with the national team. In the moment the players there are still taking time to deal with Port Said but we support them and we know that there will be the right time for many of the players from Al-Ahly to be back with the Egyptian team again."

Despite their recent poor run, Bradley believes that his current squad boasts a number of talented players.

If they manage to galvanise the individuals into a team and build the right attitude, there could be hope still for Egyptian football.