Zamalek’s premier football team, led by head coach Moatamed Gamal, is set to undergo a training camp in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), featuring two friendly tournaments.
The team is participating in the Al-Wahda Friendly Tournament in Abu Dhabi, which commenced on January 18 and concludes tomorrow, Wednesday.
This tournament involves the clubs Al-Wahda from the UAE, Ettifaq from Saudi Arabia, and Umm Salal from Qatar.
Additionally, Zamalek will compete in the Dubai Challenge Cup from January 26 to 28, alongside Raja Casablanca from Morocco, Al-Ahli from Saudi Arabia, and Wuhan Three Towns from China.
A source within Zamalek’s board of directors revealed that the decision to unanimously approve the UAE training camp was primarily driven by the aim to achieve financial benefits.
Zamalek stands to gain substantial financial rewards, potentially exceeding 7 million Egyptian pounds, with no financial burden on the club’s management.
The source emphasized that the team will undertake the camp despite the absence of several players who are currently with their respective national teams.
However, Coach Moatamed Gamal will undoubtedly assess the performance of numerous players, especially the younger talents.
Hossam El Mandooh El Husseini, the club’s treasurer, has just arrived at Abu Dhabi Airport moments ago to join Zamalek’s delegation at their residence hotel, providing support for the team in tomorrow’s match against Umm Salal from Qatar.
23-Player Roster for Al-Wahda and Dubai Challenge Cup
Zamalek’s team, participating in the Al-Wahda Friendly Tournament and the Dubai Challenge Cup, consists of 23 players:
Goalkeepers: Mohamed Awad – Moaz Alaa Eldin – Abdel Rahman Nefaad.
Defenders: Mohamed Abdel Shafi – Hatem Zakaria – Ahmed Zaki – Mahmoud Hamdi “El Wensh” – Mostafa El Zanati – Mahmoud Alaa – Hamza El Mathlouthi – Omar Gaber.
Midfielders: Mohamed Ashraf “Roqa” – Nabil Emad “Dunga” – Sayed Abdullah “Neymar” – Mostafa Shelby – Youssef Ibrahim “Obama” – Mahmoud Abdel Razek “Shikabala” – Mohamed Hossam “Biso” – Mohamed El Sayed – Ibrahima Ndaye.
Forwards: Samson Akinyoola – Nasser Mansi – Amar Yasser.