Former Zamalek star Hazem Emam has publicly praised Pharco player Mahmoud Jihad, expressing hope for his signing during the upcoming winter transfer window. On the sports channel On Time Sports, Emam emphasized the need for Zamalek to bolster its squad, stating, "Zamalek needs to sign a midfielder number 6, a winger and a spearhead."
He went on to advocate for Jihad, saying, "I hope Zamalek will sign a contract with Mahmoud Jihad, the Pharco club midfielder... I have been following him since the days of the Olympic team, and I told him he would be a very big defect." Emam noted Jihad's impressive qualities, affirming, "Mahmoud Jihad is a strong player who has football and knows how to score goals and is a national team player, so I hope Zamalek will sign him."
On another front, Zamalek's management has achieved significant success by securing the approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host their upcoming match against Mozambique's Black Bulls at Cairo International Stadium. Originally slated to take place on January 12 at the Black Bulls' home ground, the match has been relocated to Cairo due to concerns about the security situation in Mozambique.
This arrangement was solidified after Zamalek's football director Abdel Wahed El-Sayed engaged with officials from the Black Bulls and reached an agreement about the venue move. Zamalek recently received the official notification from CAF, confirming the match would now kick off at six in the evening, local time within Cairo.
The shift of the match location is hailed as not just necessary but also advantageous for Zamalek, as it allows local fans to support their team during this important continental competition. The club is currently competing in the African Confederation Cup, and having the match on home soil enhances their chances of progressing through the tournament.
The decision to relocate the match was informed by the challenges posed by the security climate, which led CAF to initially reconsider the feasibility of holding matches there. For Zamalek, the move is seen as both a relief and a strategic advantage as they prepare for the encounter with the Black Bulls.
With these developments, Zamalek fans are eager to see if the club will finalize the signing of Mahmoud Jihad as well. Many supporters believe strengthening the team's midfield could significantly impact their results going forward. Emam's endorsement of Jihad only adds to the pressure on the club's management to act swiftly before the winter transfer window closes.
The support for Zamalek remains immensely passionate, and should Jihad join their ranks, it could invigorate the squad at precisely the right moment. The mixture of upcoming fixtures and potential new signings creates a buzz of anticipation around the club.
Overall, with the match against the Black Bulls confirmed for Cairo and the potential acquisition of Mahmoud Jihad on the horizon, Zamalek Football Club stands at the cusp of pivotal changes. Both the administration's proactive measures and the insight from former players like Emam serve to steady the club's ambitions during this competitive season.
