Chico Banza sidelined by a family tragedy as Zamalek gears up for ZESCO United clash

Delay clarified by a personal tragedy

International star Chico Banza, Zamalek's Angolan forward, revealed the true reason for his delayed return to Cairo and his late joining of training within the last 24 hours, in an emotional statement published on his official social media accounts.

Banза explained on Instagram today that his absence was due to severe family circumstances, denying any rumors of an unexcused absence.

"I want to tell Zamalek fans that my delay was due to my brother's passing. I received official permission from Zamalek to be away, and I am surprised by what is being circulated on social media."

In closing his post, Banza addressed the White Knights supporters, asking for their moral support during this difficult time: "Please pray for my brother's soul, and I thank everyone who has stood by me."

This clarification aims to silence rumors of potential disciplinary action for delaying return after the international stoppage.

Zamalek vs ZESCO United: what's at stake

Buzz around Banza's absence from recent training sessions has subsided; a club source told Kooora that the delay was not a surprise to the administrative staff, and that the club was aware of his late arrival following the stoppage, in coordination between the player and management.

The source added that the Zamalek technical staff, led by Ahmed Abd El-Rouf, is monitoring the arrival arrangements for the player in the hours ahead, with a view to him joining group training upon his return, and to be ready for selection as circumstances allow.

The source also said the most likely scenario is Banza will miss ZESCO United in the CAF Confederation Cup group opener.

The match is set for 9:00 pm on Sunday, November 23, at Cairo International Stadium.

Zamalek sit at the head of Group D in the Confederation Cup, alongside Al Masry, Kaiser Chiefs, and ZESCO United.

The first-team squad completed intensive preparations for the ZESCO clash, focusing on technical and tactical aspects while the staff sought to prevent overloading players.

Coaching notes and roster updates

Ahmed Abd El-Rouf, the head coach, delivered a technical briefing to players ahead of the session at the Military College Stadium.

He urged players to stay highly focused and to give maximum effort, underscoring the importance of a winning start to the group stage and detailing numerous technical instructions to be applied.

The staff also aimed to lighten physical load ahead of the big game, with Portuguese fitness coach Nuno Costa Robeiro leading a diverse warm-up and light ball work.

After the physical block, attention shifted to tactical aspects, with the coach dividing players into groups for drills and concluding with a technical scrimmage to reinforce shape and movements.

Ahmed Rabia's rehabilitation

In parallel, midfielder Ahmed Rabia continued his rehabilitation in isolation, as he recovers from an adductor injury sustained while with Egypt's U-23 squad preparing for the Arab Cup. The medical team is working to reintegrate him with the group soon.

Zamalek secures fan attendance and a coaching reshuffle

The club also received official clearance from security authorities for match attendance, allowing 46,200 supporters to back the White Knights in the opening fixture of the Confederation Cup Group Stage.

In a broader restructuring, the board, led by Hussein Labib, thanked Croatian fitness coach Mario Tomljanovic and terminated his duties, in agreement with Ahmed Abd El-Rouf and the Sporting Director.

Kooora sources indicated further changes to the coaching staff could come in the near future as part of a broader reorganization ahead of the Confederation Cup group games.

And that's the drill for now; Banza's absence is a subplot, but not the full story of Zamalek's build-up to a challenging group phase.

Punchlines from the trenches

Sniper-level joke 1: If delays were goals, Banza would be the top scorer with an extra-time winner. Sniper-level joke 2: He didn't miss the flight, he just paused the drama for the Instagram story—because suspense sells, even in football.