Zamalek name Chico Banza in squad for Al Ittihad Alexandria opener

Zamalek forward Chico Banza has been included in the squad for Friday’s Egyptian Premier League match against Al Ittihad Alexandria after being declared fit to play.

Zamalek begin their league campaign at 20:00 local time on Friday, when they face Al Ittihad Alexandria at Cairo International Stadium. The inclusion of the Angola international follows confirmation that he has reached the required level of physical and technical fitness.

Banza arrived in Cairo last Saturday to join Zamalek’s preparations for the new season. However, the winger had missed the team’s pre-season training camp, which began at the start of August.

Zamalek had previously announced that financial penalties would be imposed on players who failed to attend training sessions, with no exceptions made.

Banza joined Zamalek at the beginning of last season and helped the club win the Egyptian Premier League title. He made 33 appearances for the team during the campaign, contributing to five goals.

The Angolan forward scored three times and provided two assists.

His return to the squad gives Zamalek another attacking option as they begin their defence of the league title. The club secured the championship for the 15th time in its history last season and will enter this campaign as the reigning champions.

Zamalek completed three friendly matches during their preparations for the opening league fixture. Their warm-up schedule included games against El Plastico, Orange and Modern Sport.

The match with Al Ittihad Alexandria will therefore be Zamalek’s first competitive fixture of the new season, with the Cairo club looking to begin their title defence with a positive result.

Banza’s availability comes after a shortened period of preparation with the squad. Although he was absent from the training programme that started in early August, he travelled to Cairo last Saturday and has since been assessed before being named among the players available for Friday’s match.

Zamalek’s decision to include him indicates that the club considers the winger ready to take part following those physical and technical checks. His record from last season, when he played 33 matches and directly contributed to five goals, underlines the role he can play in the team’s attacking plans.

The league opener will take place at Cairo International Stadium at 20:00 on Friday, as Zamalek begin their attempt to retain the title they won last season.