Shikabala is now past, says Zamalek coach

Few hours ahead of Sunday's clash with DR Congo's Mazembe in the CAF champions League, Zamalek's newly-appointed manager Jorvan Vieira has insisted that the club is starting a new era without former star Mahmoud Abdel-Razek 'Shikabala'.

Shikabala, who is seen as one of Egypt's major talents, has just left the White Castle and joined UAE side Al-Wasl on a one-year loan and Vieira believes Zamalek can survive without the player who brilliantly led the club's midfield in the last few years.

"Why do you ask me about Shikabala now? He is a good player but he left the club and became a part of the past. Let us concentrate with our players," Vieira told reporters in a press conference late on Friday.

The Whites are in a critical situation in the CAF Champions League after losing their opening three games. They lie at the bottom of the group with no points, four behind Mazembe and Ghana's Berekum Chelsea, and nine adrift of leaders Ahly.

Under the guidance of new tactician Vieira, Zamalek must beat TP Mazembe to revive their faint hopes of reaching the competition's semi-final.

"The team is progressing well. We regained a lot of cooperation and confidence and we only need to win," explained Vieira.

"We were in urgent need for fans attendance to give the players more confidence as we have no other choice but to win to revive our hopes to proceed at the continental tournament," he added.

Earlier last week, Vieira has described his mission at Zamalek as "a tough one," but insisted he would be "fully responsible for the upcoming Mazembe match," despite the difficult circumstances the team find themselves in.

Vieira, who previously described his mission at Zamalek as "a tough one" and insisted he would be "fully responsible for Mazembe match", is counting on his players to sink their hosts.

"I didn't ask for signing new players or offloading others. I have full respect for the current squad," the former Iraq coach concluded.