Zamalek push back pre-season start as squad scheduled for two-day medicals

Zamalek head coach Moatamed Gamal has shifted the start of the club’s pre-season camp to Saturday, with the entire squad set to undergo medical examinations over two days this week before training begins for the 2026-27 campaign.

The Cairo side had announced on Tuesday evening that their pre-season camp would get under way on Friday, 31 July, as preparations ramp up for a demanding new season.

However, the club’s media centre confirmed that Gamal has opted to delay the first day of training by 24 hours, with the opening session now taking place on Saturday instead of Friday.

Players have been notified that they will complete their medical checks across Thursday and Saturday, allowing the medical staff to finalise all tests before the squad steps up work on the pitch.

Zamalek said the plan is part of a wider schedule drawn up by the coaching staff to ensure every player is fully ready, both medically and physically, ahead of the start of group training for the new season.

Gamal retained as head coach amid backroom change

Zamalek have already confirmed that Gamal will continue in his role as head coach after a successful campaign last term.

Under his guidance, the club claimed the league title last season – the 15th time in Zamalek’s history that they have been crowned champions.

There was, however, disappointment on the continental stage as Zamalek lost the CAF Confederation Cup final to Algerian side USM Alger on penalties.

In a separate move off the pitch, the Zamalek board of directors has accepted the resignation of sporting director John Edward.

The club said the name of the new sporting director for the football sector will be announced soon, as they look to finalise the structure around Gamal before competitive action resumes.

Heavy schedule as Zamalek return to Champions League

Zamalek are preparing for a congested season in which they are set to compete on five different fronts.

Domestically, they will take part in the league, the cup, the Super Cup and the League Cup.

In addition, Zamalek will return to the CAF Champions League after an absence of three seasons, adding to the workload facing Gamal and his players over the coming months.

The combination of a title defence, multiple domestic competitions and a renewed assault on Africa’s premier club tournament has underlined the importance of the detailed pre-season planning now being put in place, starting with the revised medical and training schedule this week.