The fact that Zamalek's board promptly accepted Hassan Shehata's resignation as team manager evoked memories of similar incidents in the past decade, where the Cairo giants have boldly axed a handful of coaches and for no good reason. In the wake of his infamous rift with Shikabala, Shehata insisted on axing the flamboyant midfielder for disciplinary reasons. Instead of listening to the decorated coach's demand, the Zamalek board seemed reluctant to take action against their beleaguered star player - a lenient stance that prompted Shehata to make his shock decision and step down. It is quite evident that Shikabala is the culprit here and was justly criticized by fans and pundits alike for his extravagant demeanor, exactly as it is clear that he has yet to stamp his mark on Zamalek despite his undisputed talent; just helping them to the Egypt Cup title in 2008 was the best he had done. So - following a long history of disputes and numerous troubles with the board, management and club fans - offloading Shika comes as a normal consequence, but needless to say - with the Whites' board, rationality has no place in the decision-making process. Shehata would be given the sack and the trouble-maker would be allowed to stay for more troubles to come as if it's the club's fate to be blighted by such annoyances. This is apart from the fact that Shikabala himself had repeatedly asked to be sold so that he can achieve his so-called ‘dream of playing in Europe'. Previous victims History tells that irrationality is a trend for Zamalek, with a number of inexplicable decisions signifying their poor approach in hiring and sacking managers. One recent decision that came out of the blue was parting ways with former boss Hossam Hassan after he had agreed terms over a new deal last July and been repeatedly assured of keeping his job. Even though the decision was fairly justified for many fans after the Hassans blew away a good lead to lose the league title last term, as absurd explanation came from the Galal Ibrahim led-board at the time. Zamalek said that it was only because Hassan's replacement Shehata - who had just stepped down as Egypt manager - was too good to be left unemployed and not guide his parent club after his heroics with the Pharaohs! Now let's wind the clock six years back when the notorious Mortada Mansour appointed Theo Buecker as manager, only for the hapless German to be wielded the axe after just one league game, which wasn't even a defeat! When Mansour was asked why, his reply was because Buecker intended not to rely on new signings brought to the club by his board; another baseless answer that reflects the same retarded mindset in managing issues. Even the respected Kamal Darwish, whom during his stint Zamalek reveled in a blaze of glory claiming a host of local and continental titles, was not to be absolved from responsibility for some groundless decisions made at his time. Zamalek fans were dismayed to see Brazilian coach Carlos Cabral - the man who secured the Champions League and the Egyptian league crowns in 2002/2003 - being forced to leave due to a row with the Hassan twins, who were players in the team's rank at the time. So is that how decisions are made by the Cairo giants? It proves nothing but that the first team's reeling during the past period is just because of such rash managerial decisions. A fact that also drives a sane man crazy is that the problem has nothing to do with a single board, a new board succeeds one another and the frailty persists at Zamalek. To sum it in a nutshell; different boards, same approach and ultimately it is the fans who bear the brunt of a team paying the price of such farcical administrative approaches.
