Ex-Zamalek coach Mido has revealed that club president Mortada Mansour hired Islamic scholars to “exorcise the black magic” he believed was surrounding the players.
The former Tottenham star had a torrid relationship with Mansour after taking the helm of the Egyptian club for the second time.
And Mido feels that Mansour’s behaviour is the main reason Zamalek have struggled for success in recent history.
In an interview with Al Qaher Al Youm, Mido said: “Before the last game against Smouha in the Egyptian Premier League, the president of the club set up a meeting with me and [assistant coach] Hazem Emam.
“He claimed that I should not include Bassem Morsy and Kahraba in the starting line-up because they were cursed with black magic and that the curse would only be exorcised the following week.”
“I looked at Emam with a smile; I could not believe what I was hearing. I knew that Mansour believes in this kind of stuff, but I have never thought it was to that extent.”
The match was played and, incidentally, Morsy and Kahraba both missed several opportunities during the game.
“Emam and I actually started to wonder if Mansour was right! The players were missing clear-cut chances, and I was absolutely puzzled,” Mido added.
“The president kept on shouting from the stands: I told you so!”
Mido also touched on the controversial appointment of Islamic scholars a year before he joined the team for a second stint.
“Mansour hired the scholars to protect the players and remove the black magic from them – everyone knows that.
“I would not have allowed this to happen on my watch, it is highly unprofessional and I do not believe in this nonsense.”
Zamalek won the Egyptian Cup with Mido but failed to secure the league as Al Ahli dominated last season.