Egyptian journalist Khaled El-Ghandour criticises Angolan forward Chico Banza 

Egyptian journalist Khaled El-Ghandour has launched a sharp critique of Zamalek’s Angolan forward Chico Banza, questioning his commitment and insisting that teammate Mostafa Shalaby offers far greater value to the squad.

Speaking in a radio interview on On Sport Radio ahead of Zamalek’s Nile Professional League fixture against Ismaily, El-Ghandour said the Angolan had failed to live up to expectations since joining the club.

Mostafa Shalaby is better than Chico Banza and has great potential, he said. The team needed him during the current league season.

The outspoken pundit went further, claiming that Zamalek are already facing problems on the left flank, a position where he believes Shalaby’s presence would have been vital.

Zamalek has a crisis at the left wing position, and Chico Banza is a good player, but he’s not committed, as evidenced by his recent struggles with the team, El-Ghandour added.

His comments come at a time when Banza finds himself out of favour with head coach Yannick Ferreira.

The 28-year-old winger has been left out of the squad to face Ismaily in Thursday’s seventh-round match at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium, with the decision attributed to purely technical reasons.

Zamalek enter the contest in high spirits after securing an emphatic 3-0 victory over Al-Masry in their previous outing at Borg El Arab Stadium.

Goals from a clinical attacking display gave Ferreira’s men a much-needed boost as they look to climb the league standings.

The exclusion of Banza, however, has stirred debate among fans and analysts, with many echoing El-Ghandour’s concerns about his form and dedication.

Signed with the expectation of bolstering Zamalek’s attack, the Angolan has so far struggled to establish himself as a consistent performer in the side.

Meanwhile, Shalaby, who currently plays for Al-Bank Al-Ahly, has been hailed by El-Ghandour as the type of player Zamalek should have prioritised.

Known for his pace and ability to create chances, Shalaby has been on the radar of several top-flight clubs, and his name continues to be linked with a potential move to Zamalek.

As Zamalek prepare to take on Ismaily in Suez, attention will be divided between the team’s immediate pursuit of points and the long-term question of whether Chico Banza can prove his critics wrong and re-establish himself under Ferreira’s management.

For now, El-Ghandour’s remarks have only intensified the spotlight on the Angolan forward’s future at the club.