⚽ Shobeir Defends the Importance of the South Africa Match
Media figure Ahmed Shobeir emphasized the technical value of Egypt’s friendly against South Africa during the international break, rejecting suggestions that such a match has little importance.
Shobeir explained that the national team coaching staff needs regular opportunities to assess different players, particularly with a large pool of potential options available for future matches.
📢 “The South Africa Match Is Important”
Speaking on his radio program “Ma’a Shobeir,” Ahmed Shobeir said: “Some people said the South Africa match was unnecessary. No, it is necessary. All national teams, or most of them, especially the major ones, use international breaks to play friendly matches.”
He added: “Why? Because you have many players, so from time to time you need to give people opportunities and take a look at them, give players international experience, and see how they perform under pressure while facing different footballing schools.”
Shobeir explained that friendly matches are not only useful for experimenting with the lineup, but also for evaluating players mentally and technically against opponents with different styles.
🧠 A Real Test Under Pressure
According to Shobeir, giving players opportunities with the national team allows the coaching staff to develop a clearer assessment of their abilities in international conditions, especially because performing for a club can differ from playing for the national side.
Such matches can also test players’ ability to handle pressure and make decisions against teams with different tactical approaches.
🇿🇦 Shobeir: South Africa Is a Difficult Opponent
Shobeir highlighted the quality of Egypt’s opponent, describing South Africa as a serious test for the national team.
“South Africa is a difficult footballing school and a tough opponent,” he said.
He also noted that the match carries additional attention because it represents a return to Egypt for Pitso Mosimane after his spell with Al Ahly and subsequent coaching experiences with various clubs and national teams.
Shobeir added that coaches can experience different results from one job to another, describing that as a normal part of the profession.
🏆 Shobeir Puts the Focus on Official Matches
At the end of his comments, Shobeir stressed that official matches remain the main priority, particularly when it comes to collecting points.
“I hope, God willing, that whether in the two official matches we get the six points. That is the priority regardless of performance. But if we get the result and the performance, even better. Even if it is just the result, that is perfectly fine,” he said.
His comments underline the importance of results in competitive fixtures while also recognizing the role of friendlies in testing players and preparing the squad.
🔥 South Africa as a Preparation Step
The South Africa match gives the coaching staff another opportunity to assess the available options, particularly with several players looking to prove themselves and earn more opportunities with the national team.
Between testing new faces and maintaining the readiness of experienced players, the friendly offers the coaching staff a chance to evaluate different options before the next competitive challenges.
