With the inaugural IFAF Africa Flag 2025 continental championship in Cairo only a little more than two weeks away, IFAF spoke to the offensive coordinator of the Egypt women’s team Mohamed Saeed about his host team’s historic debut.

Please explain your background in flag football (and tackle football too if relevant). How did you become interested in the sport?

“I started as a professional basketball player, but a friend introduced me to football, and I quickly fell in love with the game. I played tackle football as a wide receiver, which gave me a solid foundation in the sport. Now I play flag football, which keeps my skills sharp and allows me to stay competitive. My background in both sports really influences how I coach and connect with players.”

How have you identified players for the team and how was that process?

“We organized a camp for the top women players in Egypt, selecting participants based on their performance and experience from previous seasons. There's a lot of talent here, so we focused on how well players fit into our system and evaluated them closely during the camp. Our selections are performance-driven and aligned with our playing style.”

Where have players come from, both geographically in Egypt and in terms of other sports?

“Most of our players are based in Cairo. Many come from sports like basketball, handball, volleyball, and track & field. That foundation really sets them apart—their footwork, agility, and coordination give them a strong advantage on the football field.”

What are the main challenges with creating a completely new national team in a short space of time?

“With such a short window, it’s difficult to fully integrate players into a unified system. We have a lot of highly skilled and experienced players, but they come from different coaching backgrounds and playing styles. The key is building chemistry and getting everyone to play in sync. It's not just about preparing for one tournament—it’s about laying the foundation for a long-term system that will shape the future of the national team.”

You must be proud to coach in the first-ever African championships in your home nation, but does that also create pressure to be successful, as the home team?

“It’s a huge honor to represent Egypt, especially in the first-ever African Championships on home soil. Leading this talented group of women in their first international appearance is something I take great pride in. Of course, there’s pressure—we’re the host nation and expectations are high. But I see that pressure as motivation. I believe in this team, in their talent, and in what we’re building together. We’re focused, prepared, and ready to compete at the highest level.”

All the national teams playing at the tournament will be competing for the first time. How do you prepare to play against unknown opponents?

“In a tournament where every opponent is new, adaptability is key. We’re fully focused on making the right adjustments during the game. While scouting helps, our main strength lies in our ability to read situations quickly and adapt our approach. We’re confident in our system, but even more so in our players' ability to respond and adjust in real time based on what’s in front of them.”

Do you know what you expect your strengths to be - perhaps the passing game or a strong defense?

“I expect our team to be strong all around. We’re focused on being dominant in every aspect of the game. Our coaching philosophy is centered on developing each player’s football IQ and ensuring they are all on the same page. By equipping them with the right knowledge and understanding, we believe it will reflect in their game, allowing us to play an adaptive, well-rounded style of football.”

What is the longer-term goal for the team?

“Our long-term goal is to develop the game at every level, which will help the team grow and sustain that growth both locally and internationally. This includes not only player development but also the continuous growth of our coaching staff. By focusing on improving both players and coaches, expanding the sport’s reach, and building strong foundations, we aim to establish a lasting presence on the global stage. Ultimately, we aspire not just to participate in the Olympics, but to compete at the highest level and represent our country with pride.”

Not all sports around the world champion female and male participation. How significant is it to have a women’s team representing Egypt.

“It’s about time they get this opportunity. Our female athletes have been gaining experience in this game for years now, and we have a lot of talented, high-skilled players who are eager to showcase their abilities on the international stage. It’s about time for them to show what they’ve got and prove that they’re ready to compete at the highest level.”