Shikabala Returns Once Again... But from the Director’s Chair
Shikabala officially begins his administrative career by assuming the role of Sporting Director at New Giza Club following his retirement from football.
In a remarkable shift in his professional journey, Mahmoud Abdel Razek "Shikabala," the retired legend of Zamalek SC, has taken his first serious step into the world of sports management by officially assuming the role of Sporting Director at New Giza Club — a rising team with ambitious aspirations in Egyptian football.
According to a source close to Shikabala, the agreement was finalized in recent hours following a series of meetings and mutual understandings with the club’s management, who saw in the “Black Panther” the ideal figure to lead their sporting project, given his vast experience and significant influence within the Egyptian football scene.
This move comes just weeks after Shikabala announced his retirement from professional football at the end of last season, closing the chapter on a career that spanned over 20 years. During that time, he captained Zamalek and became a symbol for an entire generation of players and fans alike.
After hanging up his boots, Shikabala briefly ventured into sports media as a football analyst on TV, but soon chose to step away from studio life in favor of a more impactful path—one where he could be at the heart of decision-making and directly contribute to the development of teams and young talent.
The role of Sporting Director is considered one of the most pivotal positions in any professional sports organization. It involves overseeing technical plans, structuring football departments, selecting staff, and crafting long-term strategies—responsibilities that align perfectly with Shikabala’s unique footballing intellect and the leadership spirit he consistently demonstrated during the toughest moments of his career.
This move marks the beginning of a new chapter for the former Zamalek star, and Egyptian football fans are keen to see how Shikabala will channel his rich experience and legacy—not only to steer New Giza Club forward but also, potentially, to become a future candidate for broader administrative roles within the national football system.
Though his journey in management begins quietly, Shikabala’s transition is deeply symbolic. It reflects a mature evolution from an inspiring player to a decision-maker—a model widely respected among football enthusiasts, especially when embodied by someone known for loyalty, identity, and artistic brilliance on the field.
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