There’s a lot at stake for Zamalek’s manager Momen Soliman as his team prepares for this weekend’s first final in its bid for the 2016 CAF Champions League title. Not only is the team’s pride at stake, Soliman has just announced that he would resign if the team fails to clinch the title.
In a televised interview, he said, [perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“If we lose, I’ll resign by a phone call and I will not go to the club for the training sessions so that I don’t embarrass anyone if this happens.”[/perfectpullquote]
That said, he’s clearly not giving up. He explained that the team cannot allow anything to go wrong leading up to the finals. Despite having just eight players participate in training over the past period, Soliman stressed that “everything should be done at a high level.” This includes training as well as off-the-field activities such as sleeping and nutrition.
If Zamalek wins, this will be their first Champions League title since 2002. However, it won’t be an easy feat. The team is facing a fierce South African opponent: Sundowns. In previous matches during the group stages, Sundowns beat Zamalek both at home and away. Last week, Soliman said that Zamalek is ready. He feels that both teams are big and strong, with each having a real chance at winning the title.
If Zamalek doesn’t succeed, Soliman is prepared to step down. He expressed hope that fans will tolerate him should the other team win as, by that point, he would have done everything he could have done.
The final matches will be played on October 15 and 23. The first leg will take place in South Africa. Zamalek will host Sundowns at Borg El-Arab Stadium in the second leg.
Featured Photo: Courtesy of Zamalek SC
