Ceramica Cleopatra captain Mohamed Bassam defends players’ amid integrity concerns

Ceramica Cleopatra FC captain Mohamed Bassam has jumped to the defence of his teammates amid criticism over players’ integrity after Al Ahly draw.

The clash at the Arab Contractors Stadium was surrounded by controversy even before kickoff, with speculation and accusations placing heavy pressure on the Ceramica Cleopatra squad.

Speaking to ON Sport after the match, the team captain made it clear that the players were determined to respond on the pitch.

“I was waiting for us to achieve a positive result in order to go out and talk to the media… Everyone in the team felt under pressure, given what was being said about us before the match.”

Bassam strongly rejected the allegations, describing them as harmful and disrespectful to the efforts of the squad.

“These are completely unhealthy things… Some people were questioning the integrity of the players and the people who are working themselves to the bone… As the captain of Ceramica Cleopatra, how can I look a player in the eye when he sees that I intend to not focus on the match?”

He went on to defend the reputation of the club and its leadership, emphasizing the professionalism within the team under head coach Ali Maher.

“We are a respectable and big team, and it is not right to question the integrity of these great players. The coaching staff is respectable, led by Ali Maher. We were under a lot of pressure, and we wanted to send a message to the fans through that match.”

Despite facing one of Egypt’s biggest clubs, Bassam insisted his side has ambitions that go beyond just competing.

“How can we play when defeat is normal for us? We have a goal, we want to participate in the African Confederation Cup next season… and why not compete for the league title? We are confident of that… and we don’t know what fate has in store for us.”

He concluded with a powerful statement reflecting the team’s mindset heading into the encounter.

“The players were men… We said one thing before the match, ‘We play for our dignity and reputation.’ No one spared a drop of sweat in the match, to respond to those who were talking about us before the confrontation.”

The result not only earned Ceramica Cleopatra a valuable point but also served as a firm response to critics, as the club continues its push for continental qualification.