At an early age, Amr Zaki managed to make history and drew the attention of many people from all walks of life with his dazzling performances for both Wigan and Egypt. After joining Wigan Athletic on a one-year loan deal, he didn't rest on his laurels and kept on looking for more, and so far his glittering journey and progress rate indicate that the best is yet to come. After taking over as the best European-based Egyptian player, the scoring sensation is now eager to claim the African footballer of the year award. "I think it is time I won the African Footballer of the Year award," the former Zamalek striker told FIFA.com. "Many people have told me that I am the top contender. This sounds logical because it really has to be an Egyptian this year after we managed to hold on to our continental title, which was the biggest football event in Africa this year." From Zaki's perspective, his compatriot playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika is the only candidate who might vie for the African award with him. "If there is anybody who can compete with me for such a title, it is Mohamed Abou-Terika - he has helped Ahli dominate club football in Africa." All the high-profile African players didn't impress last season, which might pave the way for the current Premier League top scorer to claim the award. Didier Drogba couldn't feature regularly for either Ivory Coast or Chelsea due to recurring injuries. Cameroonian hitman Samuel Eto' was struggling throughout last season to keep his place at Spain's Barcelona, and didn't achieve much with his country either. Mali and Sevilla striker Fredi Kanoute, who was named 2007 African Footballer of the Year, is also out of favor, given that last year was also fruitless for him. Zaki, on the other hand, had an all-conquering season by leading his country to a second successive African Nations Cup title in 2008. The well-built forward produced riveting displays with the Pharaohs, and scored four magnificent goals in the African championship, but that was not nearly enough to satisfy his ambitions. The Egyptian international is eying a 2010 world cup berth, and he seems pretty sure Egypt are fit enough to book a place in the elite competition. "Thinking any differently would be kind of madness after winning the Africa Cup of Nations twice in a row," The premier league current top scorer told FIFA.com. "There is no doubt that we are the best African team at this stage. And we as players have the confidence to make it all the way to South Africa." Unlike Egypt coach Hassan Shehata, Zaki fears no teams in the upcoming qualifiers. From Zero to Hero A decade ago, Zaki used to put on replica jerseys of players whom he nowadays competes against. And in less than three years he made it from an average striker in the Egyptian league to the Premiership's top scorer. "I think I made quick and tremendous progress. I actually started with a third division side in Egypt, El Merrikh, before I joined Mansoura," Zaki added.
Zaki came to get noticed with the Egyptian Petroleum side ENPPI, and shortly found his way to Egypt first team. However, the only fly in the ointment was his ill-fated spell at Russia's Lokomotiv in 2006. "I have to admit I'm not very proud of this experience. After Egypt won the Africa Cup of Nations at home in 2006, ENPPI, put me up for sale." Zaki elaborated. "The winter transfer window was already closed by that time in Europe, with the exception of Russia. Lokomotiv Moscow made a good offer." "However, I only stayed there for three months and did not play a single game, mainly because I was injured most of the time and suffered from home sickness and the terrible climate." After an abysmal period in Russia, he moved to Cairo-based Zamalek and beefed up the team in no time. Premiership Dream The Robust Attacker was yet to realize his ultimate dream by joining a premier league club. In 2008 African nations cup, he caught the eye of Wigan Athletic coach Steve Bruce with his spectacular capabilities and scoring instinct. The former Manchester united player got more impressed when he flew to Cairo to specate some of Zaki's local matches with Zamalek. Bruce was certain Zaki has what it takes to pull it off in the premiership, and managed to snap him up in spite of many disagreements with the Cairo Giants. Unexpectedly, the skillful attacker left his mark on the premier league within a relatively short time, and rocketed to the top of the competition's scoring charts. "I am now at the place I dreamt of being since I was a kid. I knew what was waiting for me and I am getting all the support I need," "The club are doing their best to make me feel comfortable, and they even helped me bring my family to England to make me feel at home. I cannot even begin to describe how grateful I am to the Wigan fans, who have been just fantastic," Zaki insisted that Wigan are not a below-par team, saying they are competing in the best league in the world, and also have some decorated players such as Heskey and Valencia. "All my efforts now are focused towards helping Wigan win matches and scoring goals for them," adds Zaki. "This is the least I can do for the team and for my manager Steve Bruce, who insisted on signing me after one of he longest transfers negotiations in modern football." On the other hand, Zaki categorically played down suggestions that he's considering a career shifting. Such speculations were made after he had been cast a role in a footballer-studded Egyptian movie, which had made the rounds. "No way! We did it during the summer break for the fun of it. It was an interesting idea and the film is now in the cinemas. I just hope it will be successful".
