Revered former Benfica coach Rui Vitória has been named the new Egypt national team coach by the Egyptian Football Association (EFA).
Vitória takes over after signing a four-year deal following the exit of Carlos Queiroz a few months ago.
Vitória faces an insurmountable task in getting the Pharaohs to win trophies again.
“The Egyptian Football Association has reached a final deal with Portuguese Rui Vitoria to lead the Egyptian national team for the next four years,” the association wrote on Twitter.
The last time they were crowned African champions was 12 years ago after lifting the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations. But that enormous task goes with a massive paycheck.
The 52-year-old will earn around €200,000 [R3.4 million] per month. That’s €2.4 million yearly [R41 million], making him one of the highest-paid coaches on the continent.
After the heartbreak of missing qualification for the 2022 World Cup, the Pharaohs will now aim to book a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Portuguese mentor comes highly rated, and the EFA is convinced he is the man to revive the fortunes of the seven-time African champions.
Queiroz’s tenure with the Pharaohs was tainted by their failure to win the AFCON and qualify for the upcoming World Cup. Both campaigns lost to the same opponents after a penalty shootout – Senegal.
The veteran manager is known for his fast attacking football, as witnessed during his four-year stint with Benfica. He led them to two league titles, bringing through young players who have conquered the world.
Among some of his prodigies are Atletico Madrid’s João Felix, Manchester City’s Ruben Dias and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Nelson Semedo. The trio played were handed their Benfica debuts by Vitória.
His success continued when he moved to the Middle East, where he took charge of Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia. He won the domestic league title. Vitória has until September to prepare himself to lead the North African country. They play two matches against Malawi to seek qualification for the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.
Related story: How much Mo Salah will earn after signing new deal
