Zamalek coach Motamed Gamal. Photo: CAF
The Cairo giants are set to host the South African side at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in the sixth and final round of the competition’s group stage on Saturday.
The clash is a high-stakes encounter for Zamalek, whose path to the quarter-finals hit a snag following a shock 1-0 defeat to Zambia's Zesco United in the previous round, which saw the Whites slip to second place in Group D with eight points, two behind leaders Kaizer Chiefs, who secured a 2-1 victory over Masry.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Friday, Gamal emphasised his faith in the available roster despite a challenging injury list and a thin squad.
"The match means only one thing for us: achieving victory to secure qualification and stay in the race for the title," Gamal told reporters.
"We are looking to bounce back from the Zesco defeat where luck was not on our side. Given the fixture congestion, I am working on rotating the players as much as possible."
Addressing the club's ongoing transfer bans crisis, Gamal refused to offer excuses, despite the team’s reliance on youth products due to a registration ban.
"All the players are up to the responsibility. Anyone in the matchday squad will be ready to perform; I don't want to talk about injuries or look for justifications," he added.
"Following the registration ban, we had to look towards the club’s youth sector. These young players were perhaps treated unfairly in the past, but they have proven their worth."
"I have full confidence in the youngsters promoted to the first team. They will continue their journey until they become leaders like Omar Gaber."
Updating the media on the squad's fitness, Gamal confirmed some key absences.
"Unfortunately, we will be without Adam Kaied for a while. We are also waiting for medical clearance for Ahmed Fatouh and Mahmoud Bentayg. However, things are improving, and we expect to have the full squad back soon."
When questioned about his own future with the club, Gamal remained focused on the task at hand.
"There is nothing new regarding my position, and it doesn't occupy my mind. I am at Zamalek to serve the club in any capacity. I am a fan first, before being a coach."
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