A new-look Zamalek side open their Egyptian Premier League campaign with a sense of optimism that they can finally win the prestigious competition after a five-year drought. The Cairo giants managed to strengthen their squad after wealthy businessman Mamdouh Abbas, a lifelong fan of the club, was elected as chairman in May. They made the most out of the summer transfer window, probably for the first time since winning their last league title in 2004, to land some high-profile players. Zamalek signed Egypt striker Mido on a season-long loan from English side Middlesbrough and acquired the services of midfielder Hassan Mostafa after his contract with Ahli expired. The White Knights also bagged Ghanaian promising midfielder Ibrahim Ayew and kept hold of star striker Amr Zaki, who spent last season on loan at Wigan Athletic. They are now hopeful that they can dethrone arch-rivals Ahli - winners of the past five league editions.
ENPPI aim to ease pains "Ahli were obviously the best team during the past five years, but this year it will be a different story," Zamalek coach Michel Decastel said. "Zamalek and Ismaili can also be serious title contenders. "We (Zamalek) won many games last season with a squad which mainly consisted of youngsters so with experience and luck we can win the league." Zamalek open their campaign on Friday against a wounded ENPPI side. The petroleum club will be eyeing a winning start to ease their Confederation Cup woes, having lost their first two games in the group stage against Angola's Santos and Algeria's ES Setif. Serious Challenge
Hodoud: new target Egyptian Cup holders Harras Hodoud, who meet Police Union, believe they can mount a serious challenge for the league title. Hodoud emerged as possible title contenders after claiming a fully-deserved 2-0 victory over Ahli in the Egyptian Super Cup. "Now we can be one of the top clubs in Egypt, and not only aim to rub shoulders with Ahli, Zamalek and Ismaili," the team's coach Tarek Al-Ashri said. Petrojet, who finished third last season, will be looking to be more consistent than last term. They play Alexandria-based club Ittihad but will have to do without their entire three-man defense. Hesham Al-Noubi, Mohamed Al-Fakahani and Kamal Ali are serving a one-match ban held over from last season.
