Zamalek's Portuguese coach, Jorvan Vieira, has given his ten days off before they begin a training camp to prepare for the CAF Champions League preliminary round.

The news was reported on the club's official website on Thursday.

"The team needs an intensive period of preparation before the Champions League starts," Vieira said.

Zamalek face Gazelle of Chad in February in the preliminary round of the tournament.

Zamalek have not played a competitive match since their defeat in the quarter-final of this year's CAF Champions League, which was won by Ahly. Given the uncertain fate of the domestic league, suspended since the Port Said disaster in February, the Cairo giants need intensive preparations before playing in a serious competition like the Champions league.

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