Although Gaish are enduring a miserable run of form, having mustered just six points from seven games, Abbas warned Zamalek players against underestimating the military side.

“Gaish are a good team. They will also benefit from appointing former Zamalek icon Farouk Gaafar as their new coach,” Abbas told the Cairo giants’ official website.

Sabri Al-Miniawi was shown the door by Gaish board after failing to build on the success of his predecessor, Talaat Youssef.

Youssef steered Gaish to a fourth-place finish in the Egyptian League last season.

Gaish are now hoping that Gaafar, who has a plenty of experience in managing top-flight teams, would turn around the team’s fortunes.

Fans Support

Abbas called on Zamalek fans to flood the Military Academy stadium, where the match will take place.

“Our fans are used to supporting the team in any difficult match,” the wealthy businessman said.

“A win against Gaish will maintain Zamalek’s fine run in the league and will put us in a good position to compete for the title. I hope the fans will stand by us.”

Zamalek, who last won the league in 2004, made a bright start to their current campaign.

The White Knights are second in the table with 13 points from five games, four adrift of leaders Petrojet, who played three extra matches.

Should Zamalek win their rescheduled encounters, they would occupy the summit.