Zamalek have finally managed to make the most out of the summer transfer window. They are now, at least on paper, capable of ending their Egyptian league drought. The team's problems during the past few years were quite obvious but a period of administrative instability did not give anyone the chance to work in a healthy atmosphere. Lack of quality players contributed to their failure to win the league for five successive seasons, during which their arch-rivals Ahli had the upper hand. But now, things may have changed under new chairman Mamdouh Abbas, a lifelong Zamalek fan who spent big to reinforce their squad. Bringing in players like Mido, energetic midfielder Hassan Mostafa and promising Ghanaian Ibrahim Ayew was the best way to pump life into a depleted Zamalek side. Keeping Amr Zaki and Shikabala and the several youngsters who excelled in the latter stages of last season was also important. Zamalek were outshone by Ahli because the Red Devils simply had the better players but this is not the case now. The White Knights are now following in the footsteps of Ahli, who became the sole formidable force in Egyptian football after signing a host of stars in 2004.
Zamalek were outshone by Ahli because the Red Devils simply had the better players but this is not the case now. Not Enough Zamalek acted well in this summer's transfer window but they still have to be cautious. They should realize that the existence of stars is not enough to guarantee success. The dressing room shouldn't be too noisy and the commitment of players is a must. Zamalek board of directors and coach Michel Decastel should make it clear to all players that there will be no room for indiscipline. Zaki should not be given the chance to replicate the actions that resulted in his departure from Wigan. Regardless of Mido's caliber, he should be punished if he skipped training while Shikabala should stop his childish acts. This is the only way Zamalek stars can lead the club to glory.
