Zamalek complete dream double after beating Al-Ittihad to win Egypt's SuperLeague

CAIRO - The last four weeks will enter the history of Zamalek Sporting Club as one of the brightest moments for the Cairo-based club.

On May 30, Zamakek shut down Tunisian champions Union Monastir to clinch the title of the first edition of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in Kigali, Rwanda.

On June 28, Zamalek closed out the best-of-five Finals of Egypt's SuperLeague with a 84-80 overtime triumph over then-defending champions Al-Ittihad to complete the dream double.

"BASICALLY, THE BASKETBALL AFRICA LEAGUE SHOWED US THAT WE REALLY COULD FIGHT FOR [EGYPTIAN] THE CHAMPIONSHIP."
- Agustin Julbe

Ahmed Hatem, Eslam Salem, Walter Hodge and Mohab Yasser combined 70 Zamalek points as they closed the Finals series in Game 5.

Egypt international player Anas Mahmoud, who won the BAL Defensive Player of the season award, was named the 2021 Egypt's SuperLeague MVP.

Anas Mahmoud

And 18-year-old Yasser, the youngest player to have featured in the BAL, won the 2021 Egypt SuperLeague Best Young Player award. 

Al-Ittihad's Haytham Kamal, who finished with 22 points and seven rebounds in the decisive game, was honoured with the 2021 SuperLeague top scorer award.  

It was Zamalek's second SuperLeague title in three seasons.

After a troubling 2020 season, Zamalek signed Spaniard Augusti Julbe as its head coach in November last year, and things were never the same again as 'The Knights' became an immediate title contender. 

"It was a very successful season," Julbe told FIBA.basketball.

His players' mentality and positive attitude, Julbe insisted, proved vital to their successful season. "Our players understood my message from Day 1. They displayed a tremendous effort every time they stepped on the court, and they did it on a consistent way to win games."

Zamalek closed its 2021 BAL season undefeated in six games. Upon its returned to Cairo, Julbe insisted that his team looked mentally strong even though Chinemelu Elonu, Souleyman Diabate and Michael Fakuade, didn't return for their final running of the SuperLeague play-offs. 

Agustin Julbe

"Winning the BAL made a positive impact on our team. The core of the players learned to overcome adversities to win the championship. It made them believe that with the hard work that we were doing, the level of concentration and motivation we we would be able to get to the ultimate goal of winning the SuperLeague. Basically, the BAL showed us that we really could fight for the [Egyptian] Championship."

Asked about his future with Zamalek, Julbe left the door open, but insisted that he will need time to reflect on his future.

"It's too early to discuss my future [with Zamalek]," he said.

I didn't want to talk to anyone about my future [at Zamalek]. I just  wanted to be focused on finishing the season the best way possible like we did. Now, it's time for celebration, and enjoy this success. The summer is very long to decide what my options are for the future. As an European coach, I want to explore some opportunities in Europe and be open to everything. As a professional coach, you always have to be open and be aware of opportunities, and, off course, I am honoured that Zamalek gave me the opportunity a few months ago to coach this team. I will consider it, but, I am open to every options."

FIBA