Zamalek's newly-signed keeper Essam Al-Hadari believes the competition he will face from Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed for a regular place between the sticks will benefit the club. Al-Hadari joined Zamalek from Ismaili for EGP 2.5 million in a surprise move, given that the Cairo club boast one of the finest Egyptian keepers in Al-Sayed. Although he is Egypt's undisputed number one guardian, Al-Hadari is likely to face stiff challenge from the Zamalek's regular goalie and fans favorite. "The presence of two excellent goalkeepers in one team should not be a problem," Al-Hadari told FilGoal.com on Saturday. "I believe that such competitions could only be healthy. It will benefit the club, definitely. "The technical staff will eventually have the final word over who should occupy the goalkeeping position." Al-Sayed, who came through the club's youth ranks, has been Zamalek's first-choice keeper for about 10 years. On the international level, he plays second-fiddle to Al-Hadari, who was a pivotal member of Egypt's African Cup of Nations winning squads in 2006, 2008 and 2010. Reports have suggested that Al-Sayed might become disillusioned with life at Zamalek but the 33-year-old, who is four years younger than Al-Hadari, said he would carry on as long as he played regularly. However, his regular status could no longer be taken for granted.
Al-Hadari: A winner "I have a great relationship with Al-Sayed. We are close friends since we played with each other for many years at the Egyptian national team," Al-Hadari said. Al-Hadari will miss the first four months of the season though after world governing body FIFA banned him for violating his contract with Egyptian champions Ahli to join Swiss side Sion in 2008. Trophies The veteran keeper is determined to help Zamalek, whose 2008 Egyptian Cup triumph is the only title they won during the past six years, return to the winners' podium. "I'm used to winning. I won many trophies with Ahli and also played a role in helping Sion win the Swiss Cup although they were not at their best," he added. "I was eager to help Ismaili pick up any piece of silverware last season but the club were unlucky due to their financial problems and the string of injuries which hit their key players. "But at Zamalek things are different. They have a plenty of good players, enthusiastic fans and a great coach in Hossam Hassan. "All these factors should result in a successful season for the club." Zamalek have won the last of their 11 Egyptian Premier League titles in 2004. They have been outshone by Ahli since then, with their arch-rivals clinching six consecutive league titles.
