In memory of his passing, Hamdy Zamora, a symbol of loyalty who turned Mit Okba into a fortress for Zamalek.
Today, November 5, we commemorate the anniversary of the death of Mohamed Hassan Helmy Zamora, a prominent figure in the history of Zamalek SC, who passed away on this day in 1986 at the age of 74, leaving behind a rich legacy of service to the White Castle, whether as a player, referee, administrator, or club president.
Zamora was born on February 13, 1912, in the village of Mit Kenana in Qalyubia Governorate, and his name has been associated with Zamalek's history for several decades, making him one of the key figures who contributed to building the club and enhancing its status, earning him the title of a symbol of loyalty and belonging to the white team.
Zamora: A Symbol of Loyalty and Love for Zamalek
Several former Zamalek stars agree that Zamora represents a unique model of loyalty and belonging, instilling in successive generations of club members the value of loving Zamalek and defending its identity beyond names and positions.
Zamora began his football career at the Mohamedia Primary School, and in 1929 he joined the first team of the Khedive Secondary School. That same year, he also joined Zamalek, and in 1934, he made his real debut with the first team after coming on as a substitute for Gamal El-Zubair, who was injured.
On the international stage, he joined the Egypt national team in 1936 and participated in the Olympic Games in Berlin, before obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture in 1938.
From Player and International Referee to President of the Football Association
After retiring from football, Zamora moved into refereeing, gradually rising through the ranks until he received his international badge in 1957, serving as an international referee until 1962 when he reached the international retirement age.
Alongside his sporting career, he began his administrative journey within Zamalek in 1948 as a member of the football committee. Four years later, he became the club's secretary general, and then he became a full-time director in 1966. In the same year, he was elected as the club's vice president.
Zamora's administrative roles were not limited to Zamalek; he chaired the competitions committee and the technical committee of the Egyptian Football Association before becoming the president of the Football Association in May 1978.
Zamora was the first football player to serve as president of Zamalek in 1967, holding the position until August 1984, except for 1971 when Counselor Tawfiq El-Khashen took over the presidency. Zamora returned to the presidency from 1974 to 1984.
"I will turn Mit Okba into the Champs-Élysées": An Unforgettable Promise in Zamalek's Memory
Zamora's name is linked to the most important stages of developing Zamalek SC, and he played a significant role in establishing many facilities at the club's headquarters in Mit Okba, famously stating: "I will turn Mit Okba into the Champs-Élysées with Zamalek SC," a phrase that remains etched in the memory of the White Castle's fans.
Zamora was known for his volunteer work, as he did not receive any financial compensation from Zamalek throughout his years of service, relying solely on his salary from the Ministry of Agriculture, even after his retirement.
He also received state recognition when the late President Mohamed Anwar Sadat appointed him as a member of the Shura Council, in appreciation of his sporting and agricultural history, while the nickname "Zamora" was given to him by former Zamalek president Haydar Pasha, likening him to the famous Spanish goalkeeper Ricardo Zamora.
Zamalek Stadium is Named After Helmy Zamora
Zamora passed away on November 5, 1986, and a week after his death, Zamalek's management decided to name the club's main stadium after him, in honor of his memory and in appreciation of his contributions to the White Castle, before the stadium's name was later changed to Abu Regaila Stadium in 2014, ensuring that Zamora's name remains engraved in the club's history and in the hearts of its fans.
