We reported last week that Leo Zamora was on his way to Haras Al-Hodoud. It now seems that the player and club failed to agree to terms and Zamora took the opportunity to undergo trials at Zamalek and the newly promoted Smouha. Egyptian and Palestinian press are now reporting that Leo has agreed terms with the Alexandria-based club although most Egyptian outlets are convinced his first name is Omar. The 35-year-old will be the second goalkeeper to join the club during this offseason and it is understood that there is an open competition for the starting job.
In other news, National Team and Shabab Al-Khaleel net-minder Mohammed Shbair has been stuck in Jordan for nearly two months after being denied entry into the West Bank by the Israeli authorities. He has been staying in a hotel that is being paid for by the Palestinian FA and has been spending most his days with close friend and fellow Gazan Ahmed Kehskesh. He has become so frustrated that he has threatened to void his contract with Shabab Al-Khaleel and return to Gaza through Egypt and retire from the professional game. It is understood that the FA is hard at work to try and secure Shbair’s entry to the West Bank.
Finally, the always unreliable Atlas Sport is reporting that Ramzi Saleh was engaged in a verbal spat with Merreikh’s Goalkeeping coach during training. Atlas Spot also reports today, that the Khartoum-based club has closed training to fans due to the pressure faced by players after a 1-1 home draw with ASEC of Niger in the CAF Cup (Saleh did not participate in that game because he wasn’t with Merreikh at the beginning of the season). Here’s hoping the situation gets better or another club comes calling for the services of Ramzi Saleh. It is a shame that a player who was once on the brink of moving to a Premier League club is playing his football in Sudan.
