Zamalek's newly-appointed coach Ahmed 'Mido' Hossam will be under the spotlight when the Whites face opponents Dakhlya in the Egyptian Premier League on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old tactician has been re-hired to lead Zamalek after the short spell of Brazilian Marcos Paqueta, who was sacked after less than three weeks.

"Zamalek combine a group of very good players this season. It's a very good team," Mido said after his appointment.

"I will be responsible for the team starting with the Dakhlya match despite taking charge just hours before the game," he added.

Zamalek are fourth in the league table with 18 points (after five wins, 3 draws and one loss), five behind leaders Maqassa, who have played three more matches.

Mido, who led the Cairo giants to an Egypt Cup victory in 2014 in his first managerial experience, will kick off his mission with a difficult test against Dakhlya, who have kept an unbeaten run since the season start.  

Dakhlya lie second on the league table with 23 points after playing 11 matches, winning in six and drawing in the remaining five.

'League isn't over'

The Whites enjoyed a very successful season last year, winning the league trophy for the first time since 2004 as well as clinching the Egypt Cup under the helm of Portuguese coach Jesualdo Ferreira, who left early this season after a dispute with the board.

Hopes will be on Mido to keep that success, and the rookie coach believes the team will again be on the right track.

"My role as a coach in the upcoming period is to re-organise and stabilise the team. It's too early to talk about the titles now," former Ajax, Marseille, Roma and Tottenham striker Mido explained on Sunday.

"Zamalek lost easy points but the league isn't over yet. I hope the coming results help us in my mission," he added.

Mido-Shikabala reunion

Mido started the season with coastal side Ismaily and, despite a fine run, resigned from his post last month after a dispute with midfielder and club icon Hosni Abd-Rabou.

Zamalek's full strength squad could also be boosted by the return of skipper Shikabala, who has just rejoined the club after ending his loan deal with Ismaily following the departure of Mido.

"I can confirm again that Shikabala has changed. He became a real leader who has definite responsibilities," Mido said.

"Today, he wears Zamalek's captaincy armband and realises well that responsibility. He will deliver a better performance than what he did in Ismaily," he added.

Last August, Zamalek announced the re-signing of the 29-year-old winger Shikabala after his unsuccessful attempt with Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon, before sending him on loan to Ismaily in a bid to give him more chances to play regularly.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)