Remembering Helmy Zamora: Zamalek Player, Referee and Former President

November 5 marks the anniversary of the death of Helmy Zamora, one of Zamalek’s most prominent figures. He died in 1986, aged 74, after a career spanning playing, refereeing, administration and the club presidency.

Zamora was born in the village of Mit Kenana in Qalyubia Governorate in 1912. He began playing football at school and joined Zamalek in 1929, before making appearances for the first team in 1934. In 1936, he joined the Egypt national team and took part with them in the Berlin Olympic Games.

After retiring, he turned to refereeing and earned his international badge in 1957, remaining an international referee until 1962. He began working in Zamalek’s administration in 1948 and later held positions at the club. He also chaired the competitions committee and the technical committee of the Egyptian Football Association, before becoming its president in May 1978.

Zamora became Zamalek president in 1967, with a break in 1971 when Counselor Tawfik El-Kheshn headed the club. Zamora then returned to the position from 1974 to 1984. His name became associated with the development of the club’s headquarters in Mit Okba, and he was known for his voluntary work and for receiving no payment from Zamalek, according to the source.

A week after his death, Zamalek’s management named the club’s main stadium after him. The stadium was later renamed Abu Regeila Stadium in 2014.