KingFut continues to look for exciting prospects in Egyptian football who can eventually rise to the top in the future. In this edition, Dahab Elkady meets another young and passionate footballer who gave up many opportunities in order to chase his dream of joining his favorite team, Zamalek.
Hany Roshdy is a 19-year-old who has always been a die-hard Zamalek fan. He has always dreamed of joining the White Castle, so when he got the chance to wear the white kit in 2015, he didn’t think twice about accepting the offer.
Last season, Roshdy scored 25 goals and provided 11 assists for the Zamalek youth team as he played an incredible role in most of his side’s international tournaments in the United Arab Emirates, claiming the top scorer award in the last campaign.
When did you start playing football and why did you choose this path?
I first played football in my hometown Zagazig for El Sharkia sporting club. I found I got the talent and I decided to follow this path and thank God I knew how to develop these talents. So I decided to start at a small club and by time many clubs were scouting me, including Zamalek who finalised the deal with El Sharkia SC.
You received offers from Al Ahly and ENPPI before joining Zamalek, why did you choose the White Castle?
I love Zamalek and I’ve been a fan of this club since I was a little boy. I’ve always been dreaming of joining the White Castle.
Did you get any tryouts at any non-Egyptian club?
I received some offers from different clubs but I think it’s too early and I want to stay in Zamalek more because I love this club a lot. One of the clubs was [Romanian] FC Steaua București; they watched me play in some international tournaments and they sent contracts and all but I didn’t agree.
If you had the chance to play for a European club, which one would you prefer to join?
Of course it’s not my decision alone, and if the club didn’t agree on letting me go then I will definitely stay.
Who do you want to play alongside, and why?
Mohamed Ibrahim and Shikabala, these players are the best players to follow in the field and especially Mohamed Ibrahim. He really appreciates any young player. I’ve played matches with both of them before and we travelled to tournaments together too and I always focus on scoring goals when they’re there.
“My dream was to play for Zamalek, and I had no other team in mind”
Who’s your role model on the field?
On a personal and ethical level Mohamed Salah, but when it comes to the performance of a player who plays in the same position as mine, of course I’d choose Brazil legend Ronaldo.
Which player matches your style the most, and why?
Amr Zaki, a lot of people has said that I’m as good forward as him.
How do you measure your success on the field?
Of course with my hard work and by the final result, which is winning. It’s the best way to balance my success and realise that today I was good, so as long as I’m making some effort for my team on the field, then God will never fail us and we will win.
How did you feel after scoring against rivals Al Ahly in your last match?
I managed to play well and perform a good match and thank God we were able to score the first goal and surprisingly Al Ahly scored two goals. However, we regained our lead in the second half by scoring two more goals. I scored the equaliser and provided the assist for the winning goal.
You almost suffered a concussion during Entag El Harby clash after colliding with their player Mohamed Saad El Soghayr, the medical staff asked you to rest for 15 days however you went to training next day normally, tell us more about the story?
I was inside the penalty area and my teammate sent a cross, I jumped and tried to score a header but I collided with the defender and I felt so dizzy afterwards. I wanted to complete the match, as I wanted to help my team win but the coach wanted to sub me off. I was able to complete the game and thank God we won. The doctor asked me to rest for 15 days, I said ‘Ok’ but the next day he saw me at the training and he was shocked, he told me I shouldn’t have come and I should rest I told him to leave it in God’s hands. I love going to trainings and I never miss them. I always want the coach to give us some more time on the field, I never want to leave.
What did you learn from your football experience so far and what is your advise for younger players?
The best thing I learned from Zamalek is to know the value of the team I’m representing and to understand that not anyone can get such honor. In addition, to focus on the spirit we create off the field before the victory.
KingFut would like to thank Hany Roshdy for his time and wish him the best of luck in his career.
