Pyramids FC to honour late Hisham Zaid before Abu Qir Fertilizers match

Pyramids FC will pay tribute to the late Hisham Zaid, the club’s director of matches, before their Egyptian Premier League meeting with Abu Qir Fertilizers at Air Defense Stadium on Thursday.

Zaid died in recent days after suffering a sudden health crisis. In recognition of his years of service to Pyramids FC, the club’s players will wear shirts bearing the message: “Major General Hisham Zaid, we will not forget you.”

The tribute will take place before the second-round fixture, which is scheduled to begin at 20:00 local time at Pyramids FC’s home ground. Players from both teams will also observe a minute’s silence and mourning for Zaid before kick-off.

The gesture has been arranged in coordination with the Egyptian Professional Clubs Association.

Pyramids FC manager Rulani Mokwena has announced his squad for the match, with Ahmed Atef “Kota” returning after missing the opening game of the season against Ghazl El Mahalla through suspension.

However, Ahmed Nazir remains absent. The forward, who is a new addition to the Pyramids FC squad, continues to miss out ahead of the game.

Pyramids FC began their campaign with a 3-0 victory over Ghazl El Mahalla. Abu Qir Fertilizers also won their opening match, beating National Bank of Egypt 1-0.

The two sides will meet at Air Defense Stadium in the second round of the Egyptian Premier League. The match was listed for Thursday evening, with kick-off set for 20:00.

Zaid’s name will be commemorated throughout the pre-match ceremony, with the shirts carrying the message intended to recognise the contribution he made to Pyramids FC during his years working at the club.

The minute’s silence will provide a further mark of respect from both teams before the league fixture begins. Mokwena’s side will go into the contest after a strong opening result, while Abu Qir Fertilizers will arrive having also secured three points in their first match.

The fixture therefore brings together two teams who started the season with victories, but the occasion will also be shaped by the club’s decision to remember a member of its staff who died unexpectedly.