Wits bring in Al-Ahly striker

Gavin Hunt believes Egyptian striker Amr Gamal can bring a Cairo giant’s mentality to Bidvest Wits, though the 26-year-old will not be available for a battle in Bethlehem as the Clever Boys look to break their Free State Stars hoodoo this evening.

Wits unveiled Gamal (above) yesterday on a season-long loan from Al-Ahly and he will become the first Egyptian to play in the Premier Soccer League. Gamal cannot play, however, until Wits have obtained his work permit and his international clearance.

“We are hoping to have him registered by the end of the week, so he can play in the (MTN8) semi (against Cape Town City) but that depends on a number of factors outside our control,” said Wits CEO Jose Ferreira yesterday.

Wits have pursued Gamal since March, when he impressed Hunt during the Clever Boys’ two-leg Caf Champions League qualifier against Al-Ahly.

“That is where the Champions League can help,” said Hunt.

“I saw him play us twice and I just took a shot in the dark with my CEO. I said can we do something, we spoke and got the ball rolling from there.

“He is a player who I think can help us, he is a good, old-fashioned number nine and I like those types of player. He can create and score goals, he is a good age, and he has a good upbringing with his development from a club like Al-Ahly, where he has been since he was a young boy.”

Wits will need all the bravery they can get this evening, if they are to get their Premiership title defence up and running, following an opening defeat to Cape Town City on Friday.

The Clever Boys have not won in Goble Park since 2013.