Ranging from the presidential, such as “Obama” to the abstract, like “Kahraba” (“electricity”) or “El Winch,” the tradition of Egyptian soccer players taking bizarre nicknames is alive and kicking.
The flamboyant and sometimes satirical naming of players was prominently employed by Badr Ragab, a youth coach at Egypt’s most successful club, Al Ahly, during the 1980s, as he handed out nicknames to his young squad.
“I dreamt that they would become international stars and wanted to motivate them,” he said. “The names are based on their resemblance to famous players as well as their skills.”
Photo: AFP
“I gave Kareem Waleed the nickname ‘Nedved’ because he resembled Pavel Nedved of Juventus and Mahmoud Hassan who had shades of David Trezeguet of the French national team,” he added.
The Egyptian Trezeguet, 26, is with English side Aston Villa, and has played 48 times for Egypt.
Ragab dubbed Egypt national Mahmoud Abdel-Moniem “Kahraba” because of his energy.
Ramy Barakat, Egypt’s former team psychologist, said that the nicknames are not helpful.
“Some players consider these nicknames devoid of meaning and are just hard workers who want to reach stardom, while others fall prey to it and believe they’ve made it,” he said.
However, this has not stopped players from putting their nicknames on their kits.
Zamalek stalwart Youssef Ibrahim, 25, was given the nickname “Obama” by teammates when he made the first-team squad.
They said that he looked like former US president Barack Obama.
Al Ahly defender Ahmed Ramadan goes by “Beckham,” as a tribute to English star David Beckham, while Khalil Heggi, also at Al Ahly, has opted to take the name of Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain striker “Neymar.”
One of the most beloved players, Mahmoud Abdel-Razeq, who played for Zamalek and their fierce rivals Al Ahly, is simply known as “Shikabala.” It is an Egyptian version of the name of Zambian star Webster Chikabala, who played professionally in Portugal.
Zamalek defender Mahmoud Hamdy is known as “El Winch,” because of his bulging strength.
The ridiculous is also represented with Abdel Rahman Khaled of Arab Contractors taking the nickname “Gebna” (“cheese”).
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely