Zamalek begin New Administrative Capital camp ahead of title defence

Zamalek’s players have reported for a closed training camp at a hotel in the New Administrative Capital as preparations begin for the new season.

The squad arrived on Saturday afternoon, with the camp forming the first phase of the club’s build-up to the upcoming campaign. Their opening training session is scheduled to take place on Saturday evening at Nady Club Stadium under head coach Moataz Gamal.

The players completed medical examinations and physical measurements at a hospital in Cairo before joining the camp and beginning their preparations.

Zamalek will start the new season seeking to retain the Egyptian Premier League title, while also preparing to compete in the next edition of the CAF Champions League.

The club recently confirmed that Moataz Gamal would remain in charge as head coach. His continuation in the role was announced before the start of the new-season training programme.

The club’s sporting director, John Edward, has departed after submitting his resignation, which was accepted by Zamalek’s board.

The club’s preparatory camp officially began on Saturday and is being held behind closed doors at one of the hotels in the New Administrative Capital.

Zamalek won the Egyptian Premier League last season for the 15th time in their history. They also reached the final of the CAF Confederation Cup during the previous campaign.

The opening stage of preparations is designed to bring the squad back together before the competitive season begins. The medical checks and physical assessments took place before the players entered camp, allowing the coaching staff to start work with the group on Saturday evening.

The club’s immediate focus is on building towards the defence of their domestic crown, while the return to the CAF Champions League adds another major target to the season ahead. Zamalek’s preparations come with the team entering the campaign as Egyptian champions after securing a record-extending 15th league title last season.

Their run to the CAF Confederation Cup final was another notable part of the previous campaign, although the club will now turn its attention to the Champions League in the new season.

With the camp now under way, Zamalek have formally launched their preparations for the forthcoming competitions. The first training session at Nady Club Stadium will be conducted by Gamal, who will continue to lead the team following the board’s decision to retain him as head coach.