Zamalek's coach Jose Peseiro. Photo courtesy of Zamalek Facebook page.
The 64-year-old Peseiro, who joined Zamalek in February, has enjoyed a perfect start in the Egyptian domestic competitions, leading the team to eight consecutive games without defeat.
However, the match against Stellenbosch marks his first continental test with the defending Confederation Cup champions.
Despite the absence of veteran midfielder Abdallah El-Said, sidelined with an injury and missed the trip to South Africa, Zamalek remains buoyed by their recent progression to the Egypt Cup semifinals.
The team will also play without captain Mahmoud "Shikabala" Abdel-Razik, who is recovering from a knee injury.
In addition, Moroccan left-back Mahmoud Bentayg did not travel with the squad after failing to secure a visa.
Zamalek advanced to the Confederation Cup quarterfinals by topping Group D with 14 points, while Stellenbosch finished second in Group B with 9 points.
The second leg will be held in Cairo on 9 April, with the winner to face the victor of the Masry-Simba clash in the semifinals.
Peseiro is pinning his hopes on the influential Ahmed "Zizo" Sayed, who's been in stellar form, racking up eight goals and eight assists in 30 appearances this season.
Peseiro will also rely on midfielders Mohamed Shehata, Nasser Maher, and Nasser Mansi to secure an away victory.
On the other hand, Stellenbosch come into the match on the back of a loss to Magesi in the South African Premiership on Saturday.
The South African side will depend on the attacking prowess of winger Devin Titus, who has scored 11 goals and provided six assists in 41 appearances this season.
Additionally, attacking midfielder Andre de Jong from New Zealand could pose a significant threat to Zamalek's defence, having scored eight goals and registered four assists this season, including four in the Confederation Cup.
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