Bucker back in charge of Ismaili

German Theo Bucker will takeover as Ismaili head coach replacing Russian Victor Bondarenku who was sacked on Monday, the club said.

Ismaili spokesman Azab Emam told Filgoal.com that the temporary board of directors reviewed several CVs and agreed Buecker was the most suitable candidate to take the helm.

The Ismailia powerhouse had decided to let Bondarenku go following the team’s dismal performances in the local league, which left them in 6th place in the Egyptian league table and forced the previous board to resign.

Emam did not elaborate on the future of Bondarenku’s coaching staff or on the terms that Ismaili agreed with the Russian to end their corporation.

Bucker’s return to Ismaili comes only a year after parting ways with the club, during which he coached Kuwaiti side Kuwait and Cairo giants Zamalek.

The German was fired from his post on both occasions.

Nevertheless, Ismaili’s officials believe Buecker is the most suitable person to coach the team in this critical period due to his “previous knowledge” of the players and club.

Bucker, who first joined Ismaili in 2003, led the club to the finals of the African and Arab Champions League during his first spell.