Hazem Emam Calls for a Clean Sweep: Reassessing Zamalek’s New Signings After the Super Cup

Hazem Emam questions Zamalek's recent signings

Hazem Emam, the legend of Zamalek, criticized the club’s recent transfer activity, saying most of the new players do not match the White Knights’ history or value. He described them as failing to be a real addition to the squad.

Speaking on a TV show after Zamalek’s 0-2 loss to Al Ahly in the Egyptian Super Cup final, he argued that the club should pursue players who genuinely add value, accusing the management of making questionable choices.

He singled out Juan Bezira as the lone exception, calling him the only signing that could be deemed “successful.”

Emam stressed that it would be better to part ways with all the new signings except Bezira, insisting there are currently no winning moves in Zamalek’s recruitment.

He also criticized one of the newcomers, Chico Banza, labeling him as disorganized and not meeting the required ball-handling standard, adding that the truth isn’t always easy for everyone to stomach.

Super Cup results, goals, and the transfer drama

The victory gave Al Ahly the Egyptian Super Cup title for the 16th time, defeating Zamalek in the final held at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Al Ahly’s goals came from Moroccan star Achraf Bencharki in the 44th minute and Marwan Attia in the 72nd minute, in a match marked by competitiveness between the two giants. A late goal from Zamalek, scored by Seif Al-Jaziri in the 78th minute, was ruled offside for a handball, as confirmed by Turkish referee Kilian Umut.

Al Ahly claimed their first trophy under Danish coach Yees Torup, while Zamalek, led by Ahmed Abd El-Raouf, finished as runners-up.

Ceramica Cleopatra takes third place

Ceramica Cleopatra defeated Pyramids 2-1 in the third-place match at Al Nahyan Stadium in the UAE’s capital. Moroccan Ahmed Belhaj gave Ceramica the lead in the 33rd minute from a penalty, while Mustafa Abdul Raouf “Zico” equalized for Pyramids in the 44th.

Belhaj sealed the win for Ceramica with a second penalty in the 49th minute, and Croatian coach Krunoslav Jurčić of Pyramids saw his side reduced to ten after a red card late in the game.

The Zizo controversy

Stadium crowds in support of Zamalek directed strong, persistent chants at Ahmed “Zizo” Mustafa, the club’s former star who recently moved to their arch-rival Al Ahly. Supporters voiced fierce discontent with his transfer decision, including chants implying greed or money-driven motives.

What Zizou contributed at Zamalek

Zizou joined Zamalek from Moreirense in January 2019 and quickly became a key player for successive coaches, turning into one of the club’s top scorers. In recent seasons, he helped Zamalek win the league twice, the Egypt Cup, and the Egyptian Super Cup, while also performing prominently in Africa’s continental competitions.

He later lifted the Confederation Cup with Zamalek before transferring to the rival club in a moment widely discussed across the domestic football scene.

The dispute between Zizou and Zamalek centers on two main axes: a claim for substantial overdue payments, reportedly up to 80 million Egyptian pounds, tied to contract, tax, and delayed revenue interpretations; and a counterclaim from the club denying any owed sums, citing an end-of-account statement that clears the club of liability.

Zamalek also filed a counter-claim accusing the player of periods of training absence, which could incur penalties and reduce the amount he might be owed. The club argues that image rights and advertising deals should be offset against any potential payment due to him.

With both sides exchanging accusations, the financial dispute between Zamalek and Zizo remains a landmark case in Egyptian transfers, and the verdict from the national football authorities will be pivotal—either forcing a substantial payout or validating the club’s position against excessive claims.