CAIRO: Mohamed Abou-Trika’s public support of Shikabala could finally ease crowd pressure on the Zamalek star.
In a short and rare telephone interview with Al-Hayat TV, Abou-Trika described Shikabala, 24, as one of the most skilled players in Egypt.
"He will play a big role with the national team in the near future," said the Ahly veteran midfielder following Egypt’s 3-0 victory over Burundi in the Nile Basin tournament.
Shikabala has been the subject of big controversy after being caught on camera while shouting with Zamalek Ultras abusive chants, believed to be targeting Ahly fans.
The video spread on YouTube and Facebook, prompting angry and widespread reactions from Ahly supporters, who constantly targeted Shikabala with insults during every game.
Ahly’s clash with Zamalek witnessed the climax when ‘Ultras Ahlawy’ repeatedly booed Shikabala, who lifted his boot aloft when substituted eight minutes from time.
Zamalek fans responded with heralding insults at Abou-Trika, who is still seen – despite a huge dip in form – as Ahly’s most influential player.
Shikabala said he decided to quit international football after the Cairo derby, but Egypt manager Hassan Shehata – a Zamalek icon himself – convinced the player to join the team for the friendly tournament.
Both Shikabala and Abou-Trika showed harmony during the Pharaohs camp, as they started in the 5-1 drubbing of Tanzania and played off the bench against Burundi.
The duo was also introduced together in the second half of Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Burundi, suggesting that Shehata could field them together in March’s crucial qualifier in South Africa.
"Abou-Trika has been supportive of Shikabala during the whole game," former Zamalek captain Hazem Emam said after the match.
"He was encouraging him after every ball and they seemed to have developed a good chemistry."
The Sudanese referee who officiated Egypt’s opener against Tanzania was quoted as saying that Abou-Trika was urging his teammates to pass the ball to Shikabala so that he would regain the crowd’s confidence.
"It’s what experienced players should do," Abou-Trika explained.
"We have to pass on the knowledge and experience we earned with the national team to younger players."
Abou-Trika won the African Cup of Nations twice in 2006 and 2008. He also guided Ahly to three African Champions League titles.
