Chico Banza returns to Cairo ahead of Zamalek training

Chico Banza has arrived in Cairo ahead of his return to Zamalek training, less than a week before the Egyptian Premier League begins.

The Angolan winger landed in the Egyptian capital on Saturday morning and is expected to join his team-mates for training in the coming hours. Banza had missed the opening part of Zamalek’s pre-season preparations, which began at the start of August.

His return comes as Zamalek step up their preparations for the new league campaign. The club previously confirmed that financial penalties would be imposed on players who missed training sessions, with no exceptions announced.

Banza joined Zamalek at the start of last season and helped the club win the league title. He has made 33 appearances for the team, contributing five goals in total.

The 33-year-old has scored three goals himself and provided two assists during his time with the club. His return to the squad gives Zamalek another attacking option as they complete their preparations for the defence of their league crown.

Zamalek are due to play their second friendly match on Thursday against Orange at Al-Nadi Club Stadium. They began their series of warm-up games with a 3-0 victory over El Plastics.

The team will conclude their friendly programme against Modern Sport on Sunday, 16 August. That match is scheduled to take place at the auxiliary pitch of Cairo International Stadium.

Zamalek will open their league campaign against Al Ittihad Alexandria on Friday, 21 August, as they begin their attempt to retain the title. They will finish the first round against El Qanah.

The club are scheduled to play 12 first-round matches at Cairo International Stadium. The Egyptian Premier League is set to begin on 21 August, with the first round due to finish on 20 February.

The second phase of the competition is scheduled to start on 8 March, while the league is expected to conclude on 28 May. That timetable remains subject to possible changes to the May calendar because of the finals of continental competitions, as explained by Taha Ezzat, chairman of the competitions committee.

Banza’s arrival allows him to rejoin Zamalek’s preparations before the opening fixture, although he has missed the initial stage of the club’s pre-season work. The club will now assess his readiness as they prepare for their second friendly and the start of the league campaign.