Confusion grows at Zamalek over Mahdi Suleiman situation as goalkeeper responds with training photo

Tension has grown around goalkeeper Mahdi Suleiman’s status at Zamalek, with conflicting versions emerging about whether he is being punished or simply rotated.

According to Kooora, the player insist he has not received any official notice of being referred to investigation and claim his absence from the trip to South Africa was a technical decision in line with the club’s rotation policy, not a disciplinary measure.

To reinforce that message, Suleiman posted a photo on Instagram from the team’s last training session before departure, a picture originally shared by the club, to underline that he has been present and committed in training. Other voices inside Zamalek say he has not committed any offence requiring investigation and that the staff simply preferred to alternate between him, Mohamed Awad and Mohamed Sobhi, choosing youngster Mahmoud El Shenawy as third keeper for the Kaizer Chiefs game.

However, some within the club suggest Suleiman is privately unhappy and feels marginalised after receiving verbal promises from sporting director John Edward that he would be first-choice when he signed in the summer. With Awad and Sobhi firmly ahead in the pecking order and coach Ahmed Abdel Raouf openly declaring them his main options, Suleiman has begun to feel frozen out, a frustration that coincided with him missing certain recent sessions for unused players without clear explanation.

In response, Zamalek’s management have opened a formal investigation into his absences and imposed a financial fine by docking part of his dues, pending the outcome before deciding on further action. Suleiman only joined on a free transfer last summer after leaving Al Ittihad Alexandria, bringing long experience from ENPPI, Pyramids, Smouha and Ghazl El Mahalla, which makes the current uncertainty over his role and future even more striking.

Meanwhile, Zamalek continue preparing in South Africa for their CAF Confederation Cup group clash away to Kaizer Chiefs, training at Peter Mokaba Stadium and going through tactical drills under Abdel Raouf’s guidance.

The team faces Chiefs on Saturday after beating Zesco United 1–0 in the opening group match, and club officials have travelled with the squad to provide extra support as they aim to maintain their strong start despite off‑field noise around the goalkeeping position.