Zamalek’s UAE Quest: Bizera Back, but Key Selections Stir the Super Cup Talk

Squad Announcement Ahead of the Egyptian Super Cup in UAE

The interim Zamalek coaching staff, led by Ahmed Abdul-Raouf, announced the official squad traveling to the United Arab Emirates tonight, as the club gears up for the domestic Super Cup.

Zamalek, the Egypt Cup winners, will meet Pyramids FC in the semi-final on Thursday, with the winner then facing the final opponent from the other semi between the league champions Al Ahly and Ceramica Cleopatra.

The squad blends experience with fresh signings, with the return of several players who had been sidelined from the starting lineup in recent weeks.

The 26-man list features a mix of trusted veterans and players hoping to make an impact, and includes a notable return for several key figures.

The squad list confirms plans to give Juan Bizera a place on the trip, despite the muscular issue he suffered in yesterday's league clash with Talaea El Gaish. The coaching staff see value in his participation as he undergoes a focused rehabilitation program in the UAE.

Club sources say there were intensive efforts to prepare him for participation in the final, should the medical and fitness program succeed, even though the initial diagnosis suggested a potential absence from action.

Part of the strategy is to maintain his sense of belonging and psychological readiness as the team chase the title, with the hope of returning him to full match readiness for the second match of the Super Cup.

The decision comes amid the ongoing tension around injuries and squad depth, as the team moves toward a critical stretch of fixtures in the domestic campaign.

Meanwhile, midfielder Mohamed Sayed was left out amid contract renewal talks, while striker Nasser Menesi was also omitted for tactical reasons as the team places trust in Seif Al-Jaziri, Adi El-Dabag, and Amr Nasser up front.

Palestinian player Adam Kaid remains in rehabilitation, ruling him out of competitive action for now.

The club has regained some rhythm under interim coach Ahmed Abdul-Raouf following a difficult run of four winless games in all competitions under the previous foreign manager Ferreira.

Zamalek secured a 3-1 victory over Talaea El Gaish at Cairo International Stadium in the 13th round of the Egyptian Premier League, a win that brought relief amid administrative and technical changes at the club.

The goals came from Nasser Maher in the 5th minute, who added a second on 49, followed by Adi El-Dabag’s strike in the 61st. Talaea El Gaish pulled one back via Mohammed Atif in the 80th.

Statistically, Ferreira’s tenure registered the lowest win rate among the three foreign coaches who have managed Zamalek in recent times, with about 57.6% win percentage across 119 days and 11 league games, reflecting the challenges of restoring balance and identity to the side.

Despite scoring 15 goals in that span, the team often failed to convert draws into victories, which led the club to lose faith in the level of impact required to propel the project forward.

Zamalek’s administration and coaching staff are hoping to use the Super Cup phase to regain form and continuity as they pursue domestic success and regularity in the league.

Punchline 1: If this squad were a sniper, their shots would be precise, but the target might still be hiding behind the trophy cabinet. Punchline 2: The only thing sharper than the forwards’ finishing might be the choreographed drama around every squad update—cue the soundtrack and the scroll of transfer rumors.