Zamalek manager Hossam Hassan gave Amr Zaki and Alaa Ali special words of praise ahead of the Egyptian Premier League new season. "The whole team played well, but Zaki and Ali are both enjoying an ideal pre-season period," Hassan said after Sunday's warm-up victory over second-division Rajaa. "They have been very committed and are usually working hard in training." Zaki, who returned from a dismal loan spell at Hull City, has been one of the team's most consistent performers during pre-season. The 27-year-old is touted as the White Knights' player to watch this season as he intends to make up for a poor spell with the club last year. Zamalek kickoff their league campaign against cup champions Harras Hodoud on August 5th.