Zamalek's itinerary alteration ahead of Chiefs clash
by KO Journalist · KickOffEgyptian giants Zamalek SC have reportedly cancelled their travel plans ahead of their clash with Kaizer Chiefs, seemingly placing the blame on Polokwane International Airport.
Zamalek are set to travel to South Africa soon for their CAF Confederation Cup group-stage encounter at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on November 29.
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The Egyptian Premier League giants have been drawn in Group D alongside Chiefs, Zambia’s ZESCO United, and their domestic rivals Al Masry SC.
They will play their opening match this coming Sunday against ZESCO, while Amakhosi face Al Masry. However, the Egyptian side have already begun preparing their trip to Mzansi.
According to 7adramout, the White Knights had planned to use a private plane flying directly from Cairo to Polokwane to ensure maximum comfort for the players ahead of the fixture.
However, they are now said to have altered their plans due to Polokwane International Airport currently facing significant operational limitations, despite technically being an international point of entry.
"The airport in Polokwane, the city that will host the meeting, is a small airport and only receives small domestic flights," said media personality Khaled El-Ghandour, per 7adramout.
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"So, it was decided to travel by regular flight from Cairo to Johannesburg and then a new flight to Polokwane, the city that will host the meeting, and the idea of a private plane was cancelled."
According to the report, Zamalek believe the situation would not provide the level of comfort they hoped for before facing the 2021 CAF Champions League finalists.