"I convinced Hendawi to join Gaish starting from January," Gaafar told FilGoal.com

"Hendawi's got brilliant technical and physical abilities. He will be a great addition to our squad."

The 27-year-old full back was targeted by both Ahli and Zamalek last summer, before Mahalla refused to allow him leave the club.

Hendawi's strong performances last season earned him several Egypt call-ups during the World Cup qualification preliminary stages.

Meanwhile, Gaafar added that he is on the verge of concluding a deal bringing Zamalek striker Abdul-Halim Ali to the club.

Gaish are 13th in the league table on 14 points from 13 games.