Egypt's legendary striker Hossam Hassan will be hoping to replicate his splendid success as player with Zamalek when he coaches the team for the first time on Thursday. The ailing Cairo giants, who have now become one of the relegation-threatened teams, host Harras Hodoud in the Egyptian Premier League amid a state of enthusiasm among their fans after Hassan took the helm. Hassan was greeted by around 15,000 fans in training when he joined Zamalek in the summer of 2000 in a shocking move after his contract with arch-rivals Ahli expired. He went on to steer the White Knights to a host of local and continental triumphs to become a cult figure at the club. The 43-year-old, who emerged to another rapturous reception in his first training session with the team, is now burdened with the task of helping Zamalek restore their lost pride. "Zamalek have all resources of success," Hassan, who also managed Masri and Telecom Egypt in the past two years, said. "A clever board, dedicated fans and above all, there are some outstanding talents in the squad. "It has been a while since Zamalek boasted this number of stars at the same time. The presence of Mido, Amr Zaki and Shikabala will certainly drive us forward."
Ahli's Barakat out with injury However, Hassan will have to do without strike duo Mido and Zaki against Hodoud due to suspension and injury respectively. Zamalek, who are just one point above the relegation zone, are looking to end their two-match losing streak at the expense of Hodoud, whose previous two games ended in defeats to Arab Contractors and Ittihad. Ahli Problems Leaders Ahli's injury problems were mounted ahead of their trip to Alexandria-based club Ittihad. Mohamed Barakat joined inspirational playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika and holding midfielder Moataz Eno, who are out with serious injuries, in the treatment room with a hamstring complaint. The Red Devils will also miss injured strikers Emad Meteb and Francis Doe and suspended defender Wael Gomaa. Ittihad skipper Shadi Mohamed will face his former club for the first time after leaving them in the close season. Petrojet, who are six points behind Ahli, will be looking to keep Hossam Al-Badri's side in sight when they host Asyut Petroleum. Third-placed Ismaili, one point further adrift of Ahli, tackle a Police Union side who are buoyed by their 2-0 victory over Zamalek.
