CAIRO: Zamalek s Ahmed Ibrahim said he s ecstatic over his promotion to the first team following the exclusion of five senior players as a disciplinary measure.
Defenders Wissem El-Abdi and Ricardo Alves have been recently put on the transfer list, and shortly after Gamal Hamza, Mohamed Aboul-Ella, and Osama Hassan were ordered to train separately from their teammates.
Ibrahim, a product of the Cairo giants youth outfit, joined the senior team permanently to fill the gap in the rearguard, and now he s keen on starting a new adventure.
I am really happy with the promotion, and I can t wait to start carving out a name with the first team, he told FilGoal.com on Monday.
Ibrahim has made his senior debut last season, and scored his first goal in an away Egyptian League fixture against Suez Cement.
He believes his displays last season with the Whites were promising, saying his chances are way greater this year.
Last season I proved my worth with the first team, and I want to build on that, he said.
With the significant eliminations, Ibrahim is now the only left-back in the team, which consolidates his prospects.
I reckon I have a good shot to get a regular place, given that I am the only left-back in the team after the expulsion of Osama Hassan and Ricardo, said the young player.
Zamalek have some tough Egyptian League clashes coming up against Leaders Petrojet and champions Ahly.
However, the recently-promoted defender is optimistic: I believe I am capable of putting on good performances in the next couple of matches.
The newcomer took part in his first training session with the senior team Monday evening.
