Flair Magazine It is no secret that the world of football in Egypt is a male-dominated sport. From its players to its fans, men are at the center of the game. The sports media field is no different as it is mostly made up of men who are usually former players and coaches. This makes sports anchor Shimaa Saber a marvel in the sports television industry. Dubbed as مذيعة الكوره (The football anchor) since the beginning of her career, we speak to the current leading lady of the sports field in Egypt about her career and breaking the sports media glass ceiling.
How did you get your start in the sports media field?
I’ve worked in television for a long time now – almost 12 years. I started in the sports television industry when Melody Sports was looking for female presenters. I was excited about the opportunity and I applied. I ended up working from 2011 until 2012 when the Port Said stadium tragedy took place and sports in Egypt came to a halt as the Egypt Premier League was cancelled for about two years. After that, I worked at Al Nahar Sports for three years and then I went to DMC Sports, which was one of the biggest steps I took in my career life and it was a show called Timeout. Recently, I started working at Al Ahly Sports Channel on the show Kalam Fi El Media.
Why did you choose this field in particular?
I picked sports television because I love sports and specifically football. I’ve always loved watching football games and had a passion for it. You know how some people are obsessive collectors of coins and things? My obsession is to collect jerseys from different football clubs.
What are the biggest challenges that you faced in your career?
The biggest challenge for me was to come up with a new thing simply by showing up on sports television as a woman. I stood out because I was probably the only female in the industry when I first started out. It brought a lot of attention to me and I remember newspapers and European media writing about me and how I was a rarity in Egypt. The challenge was striving to succeed in an overly male-dominated industry.
Besides football, what are your favorite sports to follow or play?
Besides football, I love swimming and I used to be a professional swimmer for Al Ahly club. I used to travel for so many swimming tournaments and participate in local ones, as well. I quit when I was 17 but it’s still my second favorite sport.
On social media, you use the hashtag مذيعة الكوره . How did that nickname come about and why do you call yourself that?
That’s what people called me all the time. I was literally the only female sports presenter at the time. So I adopted it as well.
What do you hope to achieve in your career in the future?
I want to conquer my best self every year. I don’t have specific career goals in general but this is always my personal goal.
What advice would you give other women who want to work in male-dominated fields?
I personally don’t think any activity should be male-dominated. If we think about it, cooking, for example, is known as something mastered mainly by women but if we look at the star figures in that industry, you’ll notice that they’re actually male for the most part. Even in the beauty industry, you’ll see a significant number of big names who are, in fact, male. This is why I don’t believe that women shouldn’t enter into male-dominated fields. There is no real obstacle standing in our way and women definitely do not offer less than what men can offer.
Besides sports, what are your other interests?
Honestly, my life totally revolves around sports but in my free time, I watch a lot of movies. Does that count?
Quick Questions
Hidden Talent: cooking
Favorite Quote: “It’s never too late.”
Favorite athlete: Cristiano Ronaldo
One thing you can’t live without: my mom
Favorite city: Madrid
By Sarah Guirguis
Dress & Jumpsuit by Maison Zein
Styling & Art Direction: Salma Hesham
Photography: Sarah Lasheen
Hairdresser: Mina (Instyle Beauty Salon)
Makeup: Mohamed Reda (Morshed Makeup Studio)
Jewelry: El Galla Jewellery
Production: Aspire ME
