Farewell on the Field: CAF Approves Tribute to Zamalek Legend Mohamed Sabry

CAF approves tribute to Zamalek legend Mohamed Sabry

Zamalek has received an official notification from the Confederation of African Football CAF granting permission to stage a series of tributes for the late Mohamed Sabry during their upcoming match against ZESCO United, in a bid to honor the club legend.

CAF's approval recognizes Sabry's outstanding career and the club's wish to bid a dignified farewell to a figure who helped shape Zamalek's history.

The approved ceremonies include a minute of silence before kick-off and the display of Sabry's image in a Zamalek jersey on the Cairo International Stadium screens during the tribute.

Players will wear special warm-up shirts bearing Sabry's image and the words of farewell, while black armbands will be worn throughout the match, scheduled for Sunday, November 23, as the group stage opener of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Sabry, born in 1974, was part of Zamalek's golden generation in the late 90s and early 2000s.

He broke into the first team in 1993, played as a midfielder and forward, and was famed for his dribbling and technical skills, making him a core figure in a successful era for the club.

Over his spell with the club, Sabry helped win 15 trophies, including two Egyptian leagues, two Egypt Cups, three Egyptian Super Cups, and major continental titles: three CAF Champions League crowns, one CAF Cup Winners Cup, three CAF Super Cups, and one Afro-Asian Cup.

He shared the pitch with stars such as Ahmed El Kassem, Ayman Mansour, Khaled Al Ghandoor, Ismail Youssef, Hazem Emam, and Nader El-Sayed, earning the nickname the Golden Generation.

After a long spell at Zamalek, Sabry had a brief stint with Kuwait’s Kazma before returning to Egypt to play for the Alexandrian club Al Ittihad, then retired and turned to coaching and talent spotting, including discovering Egyptian international Mustafa Fathi.

In recent years, Sabry worked as a presenter and football analyst for Zamalek channels, earning respect for his professional critique and enduring loyalty to the club.

He was famed for his unwavering allegiance; he reportedly refused an offer from Al Ahly in 1996 and emphasized that he would not play for another Egyptian club.

Sabry acknowledged some mistakes during his career, noting that gaps in guidance sometimes influenced his decisions, but he remained a symbol of loyalty to Zamalek as a player, coach, and pundit.

Anticipated crowd and shifting staff dynamics

Security authorities granted permission for 46,200 fans to attend the opening group-stage match against ZESCO United at Cairo Stadium, a boost for supporters ready to back the White Knights in the quest for continental glory.

Meanwhile, Zamalek’s board, led by Hussein Labib, announced changes including the departure of Croatian fitness coach Mario Tomljanovic and a broader reshaping of the backroom staff, with Ahmed Abder-Raouf appointed as head coach and John Edward named sporting director, among potential new arrivals.

The club also confirmed the exit of performance analyst Mohamed Alaa as part of strengthening efforts ahead of the CAF Confederation Cup campaign.

Images accompanying the piece show the club in its familiar colors as Sabry’s legacy continues to inspire the next generation.

Farewell to Mohamed Alaa

Alaa issued a heartfelt farewell on social media, describing the act of leaving as one of the hardest moments he has faced, while stressing that his bond with Zamalek remains deep and permanent.

The club’s leadership, in coordination with the sporting director, had already outlined plans to restructure the technical staff following the departure of the Belgian coach Yanic Ferreira, which the team justified with a review of recent results and performance metrics.

As the season progresses, fans will watch how the changes unfold while honoring Sabry’s enduring impact on the club’s history.

In the end, the tribute is not just about memory; it is a statement that the club will pursue continental success while staying rooted in its values and legends.

Punchline time: If loyalty were a transfer fee, Zamalek would bill Sabry every season and still come out ahead. And if patience had a league, Zamalek’s timeline would be the longest match of all time—but one with a glorious finish in the end.