Benjelloun says he needs time to show his worth

الجمعة، 23 يوليه 2010 - 19:53

كتب : Hatem Maher

Abdessalam Benjelloun, who said he was not 100% fit, called on Ismaili fans to give him sufficient time to show his worth before assessing his displays.

The Moroccan forward joined Ismaili on a free transfer as the coastal club sought to strengthen an unproductive frontline which cost them dearly last season.

"I hope that Ismaili supporters will be patient. I need first to regain full fitness because I have been out of action for around six weeks," Benjelloun told FilGoal.com on Friday.

"I will also need time to adapt to the atmosphere in the Egyptian league and gel into my new team."

Ismaili have also signed Nigerian striker Ndubuisi Godwin and free agent Mostafa Gaafar upon the recommendation of coach Mark Wotte.

The Dutch tactician demanded the immediate signing of new strikers after his sterile team slumped to a surprise 1-0 defeat by Algeria's JS Kabylie in their Champions League group stage opener earlier this week.

Benjelloun is likely to battle it out with Godwin and Gaafar for a place alongside Ahmed Ali upfront.

"I had a chance to join either (Moroccan clubs) Raja or Wydad Casablanca but I chose to play in the Egyptian league," the 25-year-old said.

"It is one of the strongest competitions in the Arab region which resulted in Egypt having a very good national team.

"I hope that my spell with Ismaili will be a successful one," Benjelloun concluded.

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