Smouha appoint Atef Hanafi as sporting director amid structural reform

Egyptian Premier League side Smouha Club have announced the appointment of Atef Hanafi as the club’s new sporting director, signaling a renewed drive to strengthen their football operations following a recent setback in the league.

In an official statement released on Wednesday, the Alexandria-based club confirmed that its board of directors had approved Hanafi’s appointment as part of a broader strategy aimed at modernising its sporting structure and reinforcing institutional efficiency.

“The board of directors of Smouha Club has approved the appointment of Captain Atef Hanafi as the sporting director of football at the club, as part of the plan to develop the sports system and enhance institutional work within the sector,” the statement read.

The club emphasised that Hanafi’s deep-rooted connection to Smouha, coupled with his extensive experience, made him the ideal candidate to lead the next phase of development. Club officials also pointed to a long-term vision of building a cohesive and professional football system capable of delivering sustained success.

“This decision comes based on the great experience that Captain Atef Hanafi has as one of the club’s loyal sons, and the vision of the Board of Directors towards building an integrated professional system that supports the club’s goals in the short and long term,” the statement added.

Smouha’s leadership expressed confidence in Hanafi’s ability to oversee a transformation within the football department, pledging full backing as he takes on the new role.

“The board of directors wishes him success in his mission, and affirms its full support for achieving a qualitative leap in the football sector at Smouha Club,” the statement concluded.

The appointment comes just a day after Smouha suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Zamalek SC in the sixth and penultimate round of the Egyptian Premier League, a result that has intensified scrutiny on the club’s performance and direction.

Hanafi’s arrival is therefore expected to play a pivotal role in reshaping the club’s sporting strategy as Smouha seek to stabilise results and build a more competitive squad heading into the next phase of the season.