Chairman Mamdouh Abbas is anticipating a formidable Zamalek frontline following the arrival of Mido. The Cairo giants signed the towering striker on a season-long loan from English Championship (second division) side Middlesbrough, with a view to permanent move next summer. They have also managed to keep hold of Amr Zaki, who returned to Egypt after spending last season on loan at Wigan Athletic. "I'm delighted that we were able to sign Mido. He will be a valuable addition to our squad," Abbas told Zamalek's official website on Sunday. "Mido, along with Zaki and (playmaker) Shikabala, will be a fearsome trio upfront. They are proven goal-scorers who can break down any defense." Zamalek relied on strike duo Sherif Ashraf and Abdul-Halim Ali last season but neither was able to impress. Ashraf's inconsistent displays were no help while the wastefulness of Ali, who retired last month to become Zamalek's assistant coach, landed him in hot water with the fans. Mido, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Wigan, will team up with Zaki again as the White Knights aim to win their first Premier League title since 2004. "I asked Mr. Abbas to keep Zaki at Zamalek. I wish to play with him because we can form the most potent attack in the Egyptian League," Mido said recently.
