AMSTERDAM — Former US manager Bob Bradley is all set to finalize a deal to take the reins of Egypt's national team through the 2014 World Cup.
The Pharoahs' patience paid off after a chase that commenced just after he was removed as USMNT boss in late July. The New Jersey native is expected to be unveiled as Egypt coach on Monday.
"He will come on Sunday [to sign]," Egypt press officer Azmi Megahed confirmed to MLSsoccer.com by phone on Thursday. "[His contract] is through World Cup."
Bradley, who was also briefly a candidate for the Santos Laguna job in Mexico, will for the second time take over for the most successful manager in the history of a national team.
After succeeding Bruce Arena with the US, Bradley compiled a 43-25-12 record, winning the 2007 Gold Cup and a runners-up medal at Confederations Cup 2009. Now he must succeed Hassan Shehata, who guided Egypt to three African Cup of Nations titles.
In taking the Egypt job, Bradley becomes the third American-born coach to lead a foreign national team, following Ian Mork (Belize, 2008) and Steve Sampson (Costa Rica, 2002-04).
Egypt, who recently failed to make the 2012 ACN finals, will begin World Cup 2014 qualifying next June. Absent from the World Cup finals since 1990, they must face Guinea, Zimbabwe and the Comoros/Mozambique tie winner in Group G. The top team will advance to one of five two-leg playoffs that will determine Africa's five representatives in Brazil.
Bradley's first game as boss, however, will come when Niger make a visit for the final ACN qualifying group match on Oct. 7.
