Ismaily have named Abou Taleb El-Issawi as the new coach of the first football team, replacing Frenchman Sebastien Desabre, the Egyptian Premier League leaders announced late Sunday. Desabre, who turned Ismaily's fortunes around following his arrival in the summer, stepped down last week to take charge of Uganda. It's not the first time for El-Issawi, a one-time Ismaily star in the 1980s, to be asked by the club to take charge of the Dervishes for part of a season. He was appointed manager last season after the departure of Czech Frantisek Straka. El-Issawi led Ismaily in 10 matches last season, achieving victory in six and drawing in four, without losing a game. The coastal side are leading the Egyptian Premier League table with 37 points, four points ahead of second-place Ahly, who have two games in hand. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)