CAIRO: Hossam Hassan, Egypt's all-time leading scorer has been named the newest coach for Ismaily on Tuesday, after leaving Zamalek club last month. The move was prompted after Hassan was dismissed after losing a 6 point lead by Ahly to gift their rivals a seventh title in the Egyptian Premier League last season. Hassan will be succeeding Emad Soliman, current coach at Ismaily while his twin brother, Ibrahim Hassan, was appointed Ismaily's new football director. Ismaily has not won a title since they triumphed in the 2002 league. Hassan has vowed to aid the financially unstable Ismaily with promises of a major title. Hassan, who has also coached Masry and Telecom Egypt with no successful attempt at a title, said during a news conference that he is “honored to be in charge of this club, which is one of the best in Egypt and the Middle-East… Ismaily boasts many good players. My target will be leading the team to a trophy following a lengthy drought.” Ismaily's uncertain future came about last week due to a majority of board members who have handed in their resignation. This came about because of the lack of funds required to maintain a strong team and the pressure from fans to perform. Hosni Abd-Rabou, Ismaily's holding midfielder, was on the brink of leaving the team after negotiations for a new contract broke down. Abd-Rabou is an Egyptian star who was voted the best player in the Pharaohs' 2008 African Cup of nations. Following the breakdown of negotiations, it was speculated that he would leave his childhood team to join Zamalek Yet all is not lost for Ismaily. The return of a prominent chairman Yehia el-Koumy, a wealthy businessman who was in charge of the team a few years back, prompted Abd-Rabou to stay. The 26 year-old has now signed a new three year contract, cementing his near future and strengthening the position of the club, whilst also dispelling any rumors of a possible transfer. According to Abd-Rabou, he has received many offers, but could not pull himself together to leave the club he was raised in as a youngster. “I appreciate the efforts done by other clubs to sign me but I'm sure they are aware that I love Ismaily very much.” The change in leadership, return of a well respected chairman and Abd-Rabou's new contract may very well bring hope to the team that has had such an unsuccessful bid for the title in the last 9 years. BM
