Zamalek are close to retaining Portuguese fitness coach Nuno Costa Ribeiro for the upcoming season as the Egyptian club moves to complete its coaching staff before the start of pre-season preparations.
According to a source at the club, Ribeiro is expected to remain in his role after receiving positive feedback from members of the first-team squad, with players expressing satisfaction with his work.
The development comes as Zamalek seek to finalise the composition of the technical staff in the coming hours before the team begins its training camp on Saturday evening in the New Administrative Capital.
The club is working to put the final pieces of its coaching structure in place ahead of what is expected to be a demanding campaign, with decisions continuing to be made over several positions within the backroom team.
The source said Ribeiro’s prospects of remaining at the club have been strengthened by the support he has received from within the squad.
Players have reportedly praised the Portuguese fitness coach’s abilities, making him the preferred option to continue overseeing the team’s physical preparation into the new season.
His future has also been boosted by the backing of head coach Moataz Gamal.
According to the source, Gamal is in favour of retaining Ribeiro as part of his coaching staff, provided the Portuguese coach agrees to continue in the position.
The mutual support between the head coach and fitness coach is viewed as an important factor as the club seeks continuity in an area regarded as essential during pre-season preparations.
With the start of the training camp approaching, Zamalek’s board of directors is attempting to conclude all remaining discussions surrounding the coaching staff before work begins on the pitch.
The training camp, scheduled to begin on Saturday evening in the New Administrative Capital, is expected to mark the start of the team’s preparations for the forthcoming season.
As a result, club officials are eager to avoid delays in confirming the full technical structure.
While Ribeiro appears increasingly likely to remain, discussions continue over other positions within the coaching team.
The source said there is broad agreement over the inclusion of Ibrahim Salah in the supporting staff.
His appointment has reportedly received widespread backing within the club, although consultations are still taking place regarding the remaining members of the technical team.
Those discussions involve both technical director Moataz Gamal and the club’s board of directors, who are working together to agree on the final appointments before an official announcement is made.
No further details have been provided regarding the remaining candidates under consideration, but the source indicated that talks are continuing as the club seeks consensus before confirming the complete coaching structure.
The timing of those discussions reflects the urgency of the task facing the club.
With pre-season preparations due to begin within hours, Zamalek want the coaching staff to be fully assembled before players report for training.
Retaining Ribeiro would provide continuity in the area of fitness and conditioning, while the expected inclusion of Ibrahim Salah would strengthen the supporting staff as the technical team takes shape.
Although the club has yet to make a formal announcement, indications suggest that Ribeiro is on course to continue in his current role.
If confirmed, the Portuguese coach will remain responsible for preparing the players physically as Zamalek begin preparations for the new season, with the board hoping to complete all remaining appointments before the squad gathers for its training camp in the New Administrative Capital.
