Al-Merrikh deny paying for Zamalek’s training ground in Rwanda

Al-Merrikh have denied reports that they covered the cost of Zamalek’s training ground in Rwanda, describing the claims as unsupported journalistic speculation.

The Sudanese club’s media officer, Samer Al-Omrabi, said there had been no financial arrangement between the two clubs, while stressing that their relationship with Zamalek and Egypt remained strong.

Speaking to DMC, Al-Omrabi said: “These are journalistic assumptions with no basis in fact. We have a strong relationship with our brothers in Egypt, and any form of co-operation between the two clubs is normal and not unusual.”

He explained that Al-Merrikh had been holding a training camp in Ismailia and Rwanda when Zamalek officials asked to contact those responsible for a training ground.

“Al-Merrikh were guests in Rwanda and do not own a stadium there,” he said. “They asked about the quality of the pitches, so someone put them in touch with the company that manages the ground.”

Al-Omrabi added that Al-Merrikh were no longer in Rwanda and were currently in Guinea, having previously held a training camp in Ismailia, Egypt.

“This claim has no basis in fact, and we are not concerned with these assumptions,” he said.

He also called for respect between the clubs, saying: “There is strong competition and mutual respect between Zamalek, Al-Merrikh and Al Ahly. The sporting spirit must prevail, and people should not be led by these rumours.”

Al-Omrabi said Al-Merrikh also had good relations in Rwanda with the Rwanda Football Federation and the Rwandan Army, who are Zamalek’s opponents.

“We will not accept anything that harms these relationships,” he said. “Our relationship with Zamalek in Egypt is more special, so everyone should take account of this important bond and remember the significant role Egypt has played in accommodating Sudanese people on its territory.”

Zamalek secured a 1-0 victory over the Rwandan Army in their first meeting, with Nasser Mansi scoring the decisive goal in the closing stages.

Mansi struck in the 90th minute after a well-timed pass from Isho. The second leg will be played on Saturday 24 October at Cairo Stadium.

Zamalek reached the round of 32 in the CAF Champions League after beating Port Djibouti 6-1 on aggregate. They won the first leg 2-1 before completing a 4-0 victory in the return match, with both games played in Cairo.

The Rwandan Army advanced after defeating Congolese side Eagles 3-1 on aggregate.