CAIRO: Mahmoud “Shikabala Abdel-Razeq indicated that competition in the Egyptian Premier League has become tough, but believes no team is stronger than Zamalek.
The midfield wizard inspired a new-look Zamalek to an impressive 3-1 league win over ENPPI last week, which earned him a place back in the Egypt roster.
Speaking to CNN in a lengthy interview, Shikabala seemed upbeat about the Cairo giants chances of bringing back glory days after an era of underachieving.
Trophies are surely coming back to Zamalek this season, because we are the best in Egypt at the moment, with disregard to the form of our rivals, said the 23-year-old.
Competition is tough; with Ahly, who are our perennial rivals, always looking to win titles and Petrojet, Harras Hodoud and Ismaili posing threats as well.
But we made a number of good signings this season. Keeping Amr Zaki and bringing in [Ahmed Hossam] Mido was awesome, now we have better depth in squad.
Shikabala, who once played for Greek side PAOK Saloniki, is looking forward to another spell in Europe as he paid tribute to Zamalek chairman Mamdouh Abbas.
My spell with PAOK ended because of an issue with the army, but the dream of playing in Europe is still on for me, especially that I m just 23, he said.
When I had to return to Egypt from Greece, president Abbas helped me a lot. He was the one who brought me back to Zamalek.
He also paid the fine imposed by FIFA against me. His stance created our strong relationship.
