Shikabala's return from suspension could well alleviate Zamalek woes. If fully fit, the talented winger should revive an aspect that has been sorely missed in the team's game – creativity. In his absence, Zamalek midfielders struggled to feed attacking duo Gamal Hamza and Junior Agogo. The latter was particularly annoyed by such problem. The Ghanaian striker was even furious at striking partner Hamza, who sometimes serves as a playmaker. Agogo was caught on TV cameras whilst engaging in a heated exchange with Zamalek coach Reiner Hollmann during the league game against Telecom Egypt. "How can we win this ******* game, Gamal is just standing there doing nothing," Agogo sneered at the German tactician on the touchline. Zamalek signed two playmakers in the close season, Arab Contractors duo Alaa Kamal and Mahmoud Samir, but neither managed to fill the void left by Shikabala. Energetic midfielder Mohamed Abdullah, who played as a right-back in the early stages of the season, tried his luck in that position. He put in some fine displays but lacked the consistency needed to cement his place in the team. Zamalek's opponents also got familiar with his tricks. But Shikabala, nicknamed the black leopard, is a different sort of player who can always add something new. The 22-year-old unsettles defenders with his pacy runs down the flanks, deft passes, brilliant footwork and accurate shots. Bad Boy Shikabala has no shortage of quality but his volatile temper derails his progress.
He was banned for three matches and handed an EGP 30,000 fine in September 2007 for raising his boot towards Ahli fans in the Cairo derby. Shikabala failed to control his temper after being subjected to insults from Ahli fans that Zamalek deemed racist at that time. “I always fail to suppress my inner feelings,” Shikabala admitted to Egyptian daily Al-Ahram last month. “But the Egyptian Football Association is also treating me badly. They ban me without even holding a hearing.” But the EFA were not the only party to punish the former PAOK Saloniki wizard. Former Zamalek coach Ruud Krol left Shikabala out of his side's squad on several occasions last season. The reasons were obvious – Shikabala was engaged in repeated quarrels with his teammates. But he says he has become a different person. “I've learned many things during the past period. Being out of action was painful so I intend to give it my all once I return,” Shikabala stated. “The experiences I had changed me for the better. I promise Zamalek fans that I will not be a troublemaker because the team need me in the upcoming period.” Watch Shikabala's best moments
